Dental Services
for your pet.
Your pet’s oral health is about far more than a clean smile. Dental disease is the most common health condition affecting dogs and cats and yet it remains one of the most preventable. At Provenance Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive dental cleanings and oral examinations designed to protect your pet’s teeth, gums, and long-term well-being. Serving South Shreveport off the Southern Loop and surrounding communities like Stonewall and Keithville, our veterinary team is committed to delivering the highest standard of preventive dental care for your pet.
Why Pet Dental Health Matters?
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of periodontal disease by age three. Left untreated, dental disease causes chronic pain, tooth loss, and can compromise organ health. The bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Routine dental cleanings and annual oral exams are the most effective way to catch disease early and prevent complications. At Provenance Veterinary Hospital in South Snrevepor Shreveport, we take a proactive approach because treating dental disease is always more costly, both financially and for your pet, than preventing it.
Signs it's time for a dental exam:
- Bad breath that persists beyond normal
- Yellow or brown buildup on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty chewing or dropping food
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Sudden changes in eating habits or behavior
If your dog or cat is showing any of these signs, we recommend scheduling an oral examination as soon as possible.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT
Provenance Veterinary Hospital
We know a trip to the vet for dental work can feel like a lot, especially if you’re not sure what actually happens during a cleaning. Here’s the honest breakdown of what we do and why each part matters for your dog or cat.
All of our dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia. We know that word can sound scary, but it’s actually what makes the whole procedure safe and effective. Your pet can’t sit still with their mouth open the way we’d need them to, and without anesthesia, there’s simply no way to clean below the gumline, which is exactly where most dental disease hides. Before any procedure, we run a full pre-anesthetic health check so we know your pet is ready to go.
Full dental cleaning
Our comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment is the core of what we do. We scale away plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gumline, then polish each tooth to smooth the surface so future buildup has a harder time taking hold. Think of it like a deep clean with lasting results.
Oral Exam and Dental Charting
Our comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment is the core of what we do. We scale away plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gumline, then polish each tooth to smooth the surface so future buildup has a harder time taking hold. Think of it like a deep clean with lasting results.
At-Home Care Guidance
After your pet's cleaning, we'll walk you through what you can do at home to keep their teeth in good shape between visits. This might include brushing tips, dental chews or treats that actually work, water additives, or diet recommendations. We'll keep it practical and tailored to your pet.
4.6
Reviews taken from Google.
How often should my pet have a professional dental cleaning?
Most dogs and cats benefit from a professional dental cleaning once a year. However, certain breeds, particularly small dogs and brachycephalic breeds (like pugs), may require more frequent cleanings due to tooth crowding and faster tartar accumulation. Dr. Waddell will assess your pet’s individual needs during their annual wellness exam and make a tailored recommendation.
What can I do at home to maintain my pet's dental health?
Daily tooth brushing is the single most effective home-care measure you can take. Use a toothbrush and pet-specific toothpaste (not human toothpaste). If brushing isn’t feasible every day, dental chews, water additives, and dental diets bearing the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance are clinically supported alternatives. Our team is happy to guide you through the options that work best for your pet.
Why does my pet need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Anesthesia is essential for a safe, effective dental cleaning. Without it, pets cannot remain still, and it is impossible to clean below the gumline, where most dental disease occurs. The American Veterinary Dental College does not recommend anesthesia-free cleanings, as they are only superficial and may cause stress or injury. At Provenance Veterinary Hospital, we perform a thorough pre-anesthetic assessment to help ensure each patient’s safety.
How do I know if my pet has dental disease?
Common signs include persistent bad breath, visible tartar on the teeth, red or inflamed gums, reluctance to chew, drooling, or behavioral changes such as irritability or decreased appetite. Annual oral examinations are the most reliable way to detect and address problems early.
How long does a pet dental cleaning take?
Most routine dental cleanings take a few hours from drop-off to pick-up. Your pet will spend some of that time in pre-procedure prep, the cleaning itself, and a monitored recovery before they’re ready to go home. We’ll give you a more specific timeframe when you book, and we’ll keep you
Does Provenance Veterinary Hospital offer pet dental care for both dogs and cats?
Yes. We provide professional dental cleanings and oral examinations for both dogs and cats (even exotic pets) at our South Shreveport veterinary hospital. Whether your pet is due for a routine cleaning or you have concerns about their oral health, we encourage you to contact us to schedule an appointment.
Call Now!
Monday - Friday:
7:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday:
8:30am - 12:00pm
Sunday:
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Only Open for Boarding Pick-Up