Dental care is an important part of your pet’s comfort, health, and quality of life. Dental disease can cause chronic pain, infection, difficulty eating, and subtle changes in behavior that dogs and cats may not clearly show.
At Jog Lantana Animal Clinic, we do not believe that every patient should automatically receive the same dental procedure. We evaluate your pet’s age, health, visible dental condition, medical history, and anticipated treatment needs to recommend the most appropriate level of care.
A Personalized Approach to Veterinary Dental Care
JLAC offers a flexible dental-care pathway that allows us to address early tartar accumulation while also providing comprehensive treatment for patients with established or advanced dental disease.
Depending on the patient’s examination and individual needs, Dr. Miriam Delbene may recommend Step I Preventive Dental Care, Step II Advanced Dental Treatment, or a Full Dental procedure that combines the preventive and advanced components in one visit.
Step I – Preventive Dental Care
Step I is intended for carefully selected patients, generally younger dogs and cats with tartar accumulation and findings consistent with early dental disease. It is performed under light, reversible sedation and includes:
- Removal of visible plaque and tartar
- Dental scaling and polishing
- Antiseptic oral rinse
- Dental charting
- A more detailed clinical examination of the teeth and gums than is usually possible during an awake office visit
Step I does not include full-mouth dental radiographs, general anesthesia, tooth extractions, or advanced periodontal treatment. It is not appropriate for every patient and does not replace a comprehensive anesthetized dental procedure when disease is suspected below the gumline.
In some patients, the mouth may be healthier than expected and no additional treatment will be needed at that time. If the examination identifies loose or damaged teeth, periodontal pockets, significant inflammation, or other concerns, Dr. Delbene will recommend the appropriate Step II treatment.
Step I Preventive Dental Care starts at $250. Eligibility and the final estimate are determined after reviewing the individual patient’s examination and medical needs.
Step II – Advanced Dental Treatment
Step II is recommended when the Step I evaluation identifies dental disease that cannot be addressed through preventive cleaning alone. When needed, treatment is ideally scheduled promptly—generally within two to four weeks—to relieve pain and prevent continued progression.
Depending on the patient and the level of disease, Step II may include:
- Pre-anesthetic screening based on age and medical condition
- IV catheter placement and fluid support
- General anesthesia with continuous patient monitoring
- Full-mouth dental radiographs
- Professional periodontal cleaning and subgingival treatment
- Dental nerve blocks for pain control
- Medically necessary tooth extractions
- Post-procedure medications when indicated
- Therapy laser when appropriate to support comfort and healing
Full Dental – Comprehensive Care in One Procedure
For older patients, pets with clearly advanced disease, or cases in which significant treatment needs are already anticipated, Dr. Delbene may recommend proceeding directly to a Full Dental rather than beginning with Step I.
A Full Dental combines the cleaning and oral assessment components of Step I with the diagnostic and therapeutic components of Step II during one comprehensive anesthetized procedure. This allows us to obtain full-mouth radiographs, evaluate the structures below the gumline, treat periodontal disease, and perform necessary extractions without scheduling a separate preliminary dental procedure.
The decision between Step I, Step II, and Full Dental is based on what is medically appropriate for the individual patient—not simply on age or the amount of visible tartar.
Transparent Treatment Estimates
Dental disease cannot always be fully evaluated while a pet is awake. In advanced cases, the complete extent of disease may only become clear after dental radiographs are obtained and every tooth is examined under anesthesia.
When extractions are necessary, JLAC categorizes treatment according to the overall severity of disease, surgical complexity, and time required rather than charging separately for every individual tooth. A weight-based adjustment may apply because anesthesia, medications, fluids, and procedural needs vary according to patient size.
We explain the anticipated level of care and provide an estimate before the procedure. If findings indicate treatment beyond the authorized estimate, we will attempt to contact you for approval. Please remain available by phone while your pet’s procedure is being performed.
Why Dental Radiographs Matter
A large portion of each tooth lies below the gumline and cannot be evaluated by visual examination alone. Dental radiographs help identify disease affecting tooth roots and supporting bone, as well as fractures, resorptive lesions, retained teeth, and other painful conditions that may otherwise remain hidden.
Radiographic findings help Dr. Delbene determine whether a tooth can remain comfortably in the mouth or whether treatment or extraction is medically appropriate.
Careful Anesthesia, Monitoring, and Pain Control
Before an advanced or full dental procedure, Dr. Delbene reviews your pet’s physical examination, medical history, age, current medications, and known health concerns. Bloodwork, electrocardiogram screening, or other diagnostic testing may be recommended according to the individual patient’s condition.
Each patient receives an individualized anesthetic and pain-management plan. Our team monitors the patient throughout anesthesia and recovery and provides clear discharge instructions, medication guidance, dental findings, and recommendations for care at home.
Continuing Care and Prevention
After treatment, we will recommend an appropriate monitoring and home-care plan. The frequency of future dental evaluations depends on your pet’s breed, age, oral anatomy, medical history, rate of tartar accumulation, and ability to participate in home dental care.
Our goal is to identify problems early, relieve existing pain, preserve healthy teeth whenever medically appropriate, and help each patient maintain a comfortable mouth throughout life.
Dental Care with Clear Guidance
At JLAC, clients are included as partners in every medical decision. We will explain what we see, what may still be hidden below the gumline, which options are available, and why a particular level of dental care is recommended for your pet.
Request a Dental Care Appointment
Healing Hands & Caring Hearts for Your Pets. It’s Our Promise to You!