THINGS WE DO
DENTISTRY
Dental Home Care
Evervet provides complete dental care for dogs and cats, ensuring every patient receives the highest standard of treatment in a calm and supportive environment.
Our dental services are performed exclusively under general anaesthetic, the industry standard for safe, thorough, and pain‑free dental care.
This approach allows our veterinarians to carry out a full examination, clean beneath the gumline, and provide the appropriate pain relief and monitoring for your pet’s comfort.
Why Evervet Uses General Anaesthetic
Our approach is guided by one goal, to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and healthy.
Protecting your pet’s airway
Under general anaesthesia, pets are intubated (a breathing tube is placed) to protect their airway. Without this, water, bacteria, and debris from the mouth can enter the lungs during cleaning, a process known as aspiration, which can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia.
Complete and effective cleaning
Awake or anaesthesia‑free dentals only remove plaque and tartar from the visible tooth surfaces. The real concern lies below the gumline, where bacteria cause infection, inflammation, and pain. Accessing and cleaning these deeper areas safely requires anaesthesia.
Comfort and care throughout
Attempting to clean below the gumline in an awake pet would cause discomfort and stress. Under GA, we can perform all necessary treatments painlessly, while providing continuous monitoring and tailored pain management.
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) explains why anaesthesia‑free dentistry does not meet accepted standards of care.
Limitations of Anaesthesia‑Free (“Awake”) Dentistry
Anaesthesia‑free dentistry might appear less invasive, but it has important limitations that can affect your pet’s health. These procedures typically involve cleaning only the visible part of the tooth while the pet is fully conscious.
KEY LIMITATIONS INCLUDE:
X Cosmetic rather than medical
Removing surface tartar can make teeth look cleaner but often leaves underlying dental disease untreated.
X Physical restraint and stress
Conscious pets must be restrained for extended periods, which can cause fear, anxiety, and a long‑term aversion to handling around the face.
X Hidden disease missed
It is not possible to adequately examine all tooth surfaces or perform dental X‑rays in a fully awake animal, meaning painful problems can be missed.
These limitations are why organisations like the AVA advise that proper veterinary dentistry should be performed under general anaesthetic. At Evervet Hawthorn, we follow this guidance to ensure your pet receives genuinely effective, welfare‑focused dental care.
Every dental treatment at Evervet includes ↓
This complete approach allows us to maintain your pet’s oral health, identify problems early, and prevent painful dental disease before it develops further.
Pre‑anaesthetic assessment
A health check and blood test to ensure your pet is safe for anaesthesia.
Gentle, monitored anaesthetic
Assessing the full mouth, teeth, and jaw for hidden disease.
Comprehensive oral exam and X‑rays
Assessing the full mouth, teeth, and jaw for hidden disease.
Ultrasonic scaling
and polishing
Cleaning both above and below the gums to remove plaque and tartar.
Treatment and aftercare
Treating any identified issues and providing a detailed home dental plan.
All pets should undergo dental health assessments at least once a year, and whenever you notice:
Bad breath or drooling
Red or bleeding gums
Discoloured or loose teeth
Difficulty chewing or eating
Changes in behaviour around food or toys
Even without obvious signs, regular dental evaluations are a key part of preventive care.
At Evervet we are committed to helping you maintain your pet’s oral health, which is why all dental check-ups booked with our nurses are complimentary.
To help clients understand their pet’s dental health, we’re offering a free in‑clinic dental health assessment at Evervet.
During this appointment, one of our experienced nurses will:
#1 Examine your pet’s teeth and gums
#2 Discuss any questions or past procedures
#3 Explain our approach to safe dental care
#4 Provide tailored recommendations for treatment or prevention
It’s a relaxed opportunity to learn about your pet’s oral health and explore the best options for their ongoing care.
Book your free dental assessment today
At Evervet, dental care goes beyond clean teeth; it’s about ensuring safe, pain‑free, lifelong oral health for every pet we treat.
Experienced vets and nurses with advanced dental training
Best‑practice care under general anaesthetic for full safety
Modern dental equipment and digital X‑ray capability
Compassionate team who treat your pets like family
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Yes. Modern anaesthetic protocols and pre‑procedure health checks make dental care safe, even for senior pets. Each plan is tailored to their age and condition.
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Most procedures take one to three hours, depending on your pet’s needs. We’ll keep you updated and contact you once your pet is awake and comfortable.
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Most pets benefit from an annual check‑up and professional clean every one to two years, supported by at‑home care like brushing or dental diets.
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Awake cleanings can’t reach under the gumline and carry a higher aspiration risk. Evervet follows best‑practice dentistry under anaesthetic for full safety and comfort.
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Costs vary by size, condition, and treatment required. Your complimentary dental assessment includes a clear, personalised estimate.
