Dental disease is one of the most common problems we see in dogs and cats, and one of the most overlooked, because pets still eat through pain.
Reviewed by Dr. Jaspal Harika, DVM. Last reviewed: October 26, 2026. Educational information only; not a substitute for an in-person exam. See our medical disclaimer.
At Morgan Hill Animal Hospital, dental care means more than a cosmetic polish. It is digital imaging below the gumline, a professional cleaning when indicated, and surgical or endodontic treatment when a tooth is damaged or diseased.
Dr. Jaspal Harika, DVM, and our team welcome both new and existing patients for dental evaluations and give you a written estimate before treatment. Call (408) 779-7325.
16150 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 · Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:30 PM · Sat 8:30 AM–1:00 PM · Sun closed.
Signs your pet may need dental care: persistent bad breath; tartar, red gums, or drooling; chewing on one side, dropping food, or avoiding hard treats; facial swelling or a broken tooth. We also check teeth at every wellness exam (yearly for adults, twice yearly for senior dogs and cats age 8 and up). Finding disease early is easier than waiting for an abscess.
Our dental pathway: (1) Oral exam and written plan: we assess the mouth and discuss options honestly. (2) Digital dental X-rays: most of the tooth sits below the gumline; X-rays show roots, bone loss, and hidden infection a visual exam misses. (3) Professional dental cleaning: ultrasonic scaling above and below the gumline, polishing, and a home-care plan. (4) Tooth preservation, bone grafting, or extraction: when a tooth cannot be saved, surgical dental extractions relieve pain and infection, and we offer bone grafting when indicated to support jaw strength and healing. Selected cases with healthy roots may be candidates for advanced endodontic procedures (such as bonded sealants cured with blue light for uncomplicated crown fractures). Complex oral procedures are covered under specialized dental surgeries.
Leaf pages cover depth. This hub explains the full dental program, then points you to X-rays, cleaning, extractions, and endodontic care.
Most of the tooth sits below the gumline. Digital dental X-rays show roots, bone loss, and hidden infection a visual exam misses.
Professional dental cleaning scales above and below the gumline, polishes, and includes a home-care plan when indicated.
Surgical dental extractions relieve pain and infection when a tooth cannot be saved comfortably, with pain management and bone grafting when indicated to preserve jaw health.
Selected cases may use advanced endodontic procedures, such as bonded sealants cured with blue light for certain uncomplicated crown fractures, alongside bone grafting to support periodontal bone.
We do not offer “anesthesia-free dental cleanings,” because scraping the visible crown while a pet is awake leaves disease under the gumline untouched and prevents full-mouth X-rays. Meaningful dental work requires anesthesia so we can clean below the gumline and take diagnostic X-rays without stress or movement. We tailor anesthesia to your pet’s age and health, monitor heart rate, oxygen, and breathing throughout via our advanced surgical monitoring, and recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork through our in-house laboratory. Your veterinarian will discuss your pet’s individual risk before the procedure.
Home care after a cleaning: Brushing (when your pet tolerates it), dental diets, and approved chews can slow tartar, but they do not replace professional care once disease is under the gums. We will show you what fits your pet.
Call (408) 779-7325 or contact us to book a dental evaluation. If your pet has facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or cannot breathe, that may need urgent care during open hours (daytime urgent info) or a 24/7 ER after hours. We are not a 24/7 hospital.
Educational only. See our medical disclaimer.
Many dogs and cats benefit from a professional dental evaluation and cleaning about once a year, while small breeds and senior pets (age 8 and up) often need attention more frequently. We check teeth at every wellness exam and recommend a cleaning when it is truly due.
Usually not. Persistent odor often means bacteria and tartar under the gumline: the start of periodontal disease. An exam tells you what is going on.
No. We do not offer anesthesia-free dental cleanings because pets cannot hold still for subgingival (below-the-gumline) scaling or full-mouth digital dental X-rays. General anesthesia with continuous surgical monitoring lets us clean thoroughly and treat painful roots or fractures safely in one visit.
Yes. You approve costs before dental procedures begin.
No. Dental X-rays focus on teeth, roots, and jaw bone. Body imaging is separate: see digital X-rays and our dental X-ray page.
Yes, we welcome both new and existing patients for dental consults. Call (408) 779-7325 or contact us to schedule. For same-day dental trauma or facial swelling during open hours, existing clients can call about daytime urgent care; after hours, go to a 24/7 emergency hospital.
Hear from pet owners who trust Morgan Hill Animal Hospital for their furry friends’ health and happiness.
Your personal details are strictly for our use, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
