Dental Care

Protect your pet’s health with dental cleanings, x-rays, and home care tips from Lake Marion Animal Hospital in Summerton, SC. Book an appointment today.

Pet Dental Care in Summerton, SC

Gentle, Trusted Dentistry for Dogs and Cats at Lake Marion Animal Hospital

Your pet’s smile is more than just cute; it’s a vital part of their overall health. At Lake Marion Animal Hospital in Summerton, SC, we take your pet’s dental care seriously. Regular dental cleanings and checkups can prevent pain, infection, and even serious internal health issues. Our experienced veterinary team provides professional cleanings, digital dental x-rays, and personalized home care guidance to help your dog or cat stay happy and healthy.

Whether you’ve noticed bad breath or you’re simply staying on top of preventive care, we’re here to help.

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Why Dental Health Matters for Your Pet

Pets face the same dental problems as humans: plaque, gum disease, and cavities. What starts as mild tartar can quickly become something more serious if left untreated. Dental disease doesn’t only affect your pet’s mouth. It can also impact the heart, liver, and kidneys when bacteria enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums.

Common signs of dental problems in pets:

Bad breath

Red or swollen gums

Difficulty eating or chewing

Drooling more than usual

Pawing at the mouth

Yellow or brown teeth

Behavioral changes due to pain

Many dental conditions develop slowly and quietly. That’s why regular dental checkups are an important part of your pet’s wellness routine.

What to Expect During a Professional Dental Cleaning

At Lake Marion Animal Hospital, we provide thorough dental cleanings under general anesthesia for both dogs and cats. This allows our veterinary team to clean beneath the gum line and assess each tooth’s condition safely and completely.

Your pet’s dental appointment:

A full physical exam and pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your pet is ready for the procedure

Plaque and tartar removal using ultrasonic scaling.

Polishing to smooth the enamel and slow future buildup

Digital dental radiographs (x-rays) to check for issues below the surface

Tooth extractions if necessary

Pain management before, during, and after the procedure

We use modern monitoring and safety protocols to make the experience as low-stress as possible. After the cleaning, our team will walk you through recovery instructions and discuss a home care plan customized for your pet.

What to Expect During a Professional Dental Cleaning

Home Dental Care: Keeping That Smile Healthy

Following your pet’s professional cleaning, our veterinary staff will work with you to build a manageable home dental care routine. Consistency at home can greatly extend the benefits of professional cleanings and reduce the need for extractions in the future.

Simple ways to care for your pet’s teeth at home:

Brushing your dog or cat’s teeth regularly with a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste

Offering dental treats or chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)

Using dental rinses or water additives

Scheduling periodic dental checkups as recommended

We’re happy to recommend specific products and show you how to get started, especially if you’ve never brushed your pet’s teeth before.

How Often Should My Pet Have a Dental Cleaning?

Most dogs and cats benefit from an annual dental cleaning, but some pets may need more frequent care depending on their age, breed, and medical history.

Factors that may affect your pet’s dental care schedule:

Small or toy breeds which are more prone to dental disease

Brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed dogs or cats)

Pets with chronic health conditions

Diet and chewing habits

During your pet’s wellness exams, our veterinary team will assess their dental health and let you know when a cleaning is recommended.

Why Choose Lake Marion Animal Hospital for Pet Dental Care?

Pet owners from Summerton, Sumter, Santee, Manning, Turbeville, and even Charleston County rely on Lake Marion Animal Hospital for trusted, compassionate care. We blend small-town familiarity with advanced tools and techniques that support your pet’s health at every stage of life.

What sets our dental care apart:

Digital dental radiography for precise diagnosis

Experienced veterinary professionals who treat your pet like family

A strong focus on preventive care and client education

Personalized follow-up support to help you care for your pet at home

Locally owned, community-rooted practice with flexible communication options

From first cleanings to lifelong maintenance, we’re proud to be your pet’s partner in oral health.

Book Your Pet’s Dental Visit with Ease

Don’t wait! If your pet needs dental cleaning or is showing signs of discomfort, call us now. Lake Marion Animal Hospital makes it easy to schedule appointments using the Otto widget on our website. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you plan the best care for your pet. Call us at 803-488-8800 today.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Dental Care

If your dog or cat has bad breath, discolored teeth, or bleeding gums, it’s time to schedule a checkup. Many dental issues don’t show obvious symptoms, which is why routine exams are important even if your pet seems fine.

Yes. Anesthesia allows our team to thoroughly and safely clean under the gum line, take x-rays, and perform extractions without causing pain or stress. We monitor your pet closely throughout the entire procedure.

Dental treats can help reduce tartar, but they aren’t a substitute for brushing. We recommend using both for the best results. If brushing is a challenge, we can guide you with step-by-step tips.

Most pets recover from anesthesia within a few hours. If extractions were done, your pet may need soft food and mild pain medications for a few days. Our staff will give you clear instructions for aftercare.

Yes. Many problems such as root infections or bone loss aren’t visible during a regular exam. Dental x-rays help us detect hidden issues early and prevent long-term discomfort.