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: September 29, 2026. Educational information only; not a substitute for an in-person exam.
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 cannot be saved comfortably.
Dr. Jaspal Harika, DVM, and our team 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. Finding disease early is easier than waiting for an abscess.
Our dental pathway: (1) Oral exam and 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) When a tooth cannot be saved, surgical extractions relieve pain and infection. Selected cases may be candidates for advanced endodontic procedures (for example bonded sealants for certain crown fractures). Complex oral surgery may be discussed under specialized dental surgeries. You approve the plan before we proceed.
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 extractions relieve pain and infection when a tooth cannot be saved comfortably.
Selected cases may use advanced endodontic procedures, for example bonded sealants for certain crown fractures.
Meaningful dental work requires anesthesia so we can clean under the gumline and take diagnostic X-rays without stress or movement. We tailor anesthesia to your pet’s age and health, use monitoring during the procedure, and often recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork, supported by our in-house laboratory and surgical monitoring. Your veterinarian will discuss your pet’s individual risk before the day of surgery. We do not claim zero risk; we claim careful preparation and monitoring.
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 benefit from about once a year. Small breeds and older dogs often need cleanings more often. We check at wellness visits and recommend 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.
Pets cannot hold still for below-the-gumline cleaning or full-mouth dental X-rays. Anesthesia lets us do the job once, thoroughly, with monitoring, rather than a stressful, incomplete surface scrub.
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.
Call (408) 779-7325 or contact us. We are not a 24/7 hospital; after-hours emergencies need a 24/7 ER.
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