Dentistry & Oral Surgery

Advanced Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery

At VRC, Dr. Kelly Saverino provides specialized, compassionate care for pets with complex oral health needs. Oral disease and dental pain can significantly affect your pet’s comfort, appetite, and overall well‑being. Dental disease remains the most common medical condition seen in pets, affecting over 85% of dogs and cats older than two years due to periodontal disease caused by plaque and tartar accumulation along the gumline.

Our experienced veterinary team offers comprehensive diagnostics and advanced surgical solutions to restore function, relieve pain, and improve quality of life.Routine veterinary checkups and professional dental cleanings are key to preventing these common oral health problems and helping keep your pet healthy and pain‑free.

Our dentistry & oral surgery services include (but are not limited to):

Comprehensive Oral Evaluation:

Full anesthetized oral examination
Digital dental radiographs (X‑rays)

Periodontics:

Dental extractions
Root Planing - Subgingival Curettage
Gingivectomy & Apical Reposition Flaps
Gingival Reattachment Therapy
Bone Augmentation

Endodontics:

Vital Pulpectomies (fresh fractures)
Root Canal Therapy
Crown Reductions
Surgical Root Canal Therapy

Orthodontics:

Repair of Malocclusions
Deciduous teeth extractions (interceptive orthodontics)
Appliance Fabrication to move Teeth (active orthodontics)

Dental Restorative Care:

Metal Jacket Crown Fabrications
Composite Restorations

Oral & Facial Surgery:

Maxillectomies and Mandibulectomies
Oral Cancer & Facial Trauma
Jaw Fracture Orthopedics
Cleft Palate & Harelip Reconstruction
Oro-nasal & Oro-antral fistula closure

Dentistry & Oral Surgery FAQs

What is a board-certified veterinary dentist?

Board-certified veterinary dentists focus on the diagnosis and management of genetic and acquired oral diseases and conditions. In addition to completing undergraduate training and four years of veterinary school, board-certified dentists complete 3-4 years of additional training, including an internship and residency in their specialty. This training is followed by a rigorous examination from the American Veterinary Dental College. Passing this examination grants the status of Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College (DAVDC). Board-certified dentists work together with primary care veterinarians and other specialists to ensure that pets have good oral health.

Why is anesthesia necessary for my pet’s dental evaluation

It is impossible to see the entire mouth while your pet is awake as many pets are uncooperative during an oral examination, especially if they are experiencing pain. A thorough evaluation requires dental radiography, a trained eye, and plenty of examination time spent with complete visibility of the entire mouth to spot hidden problems. With anesthesia, our dental specialty service can offer the same thorough evaluation for your pet that you expect from your own dentist. We have trained professionals administering the chemicals so your pet can awaken safely and comfortable.

What is dental radiography and is it necessary?

Dental radiographs, more commonly referred to as X-rays, are necessary to see what lies under the gums and within the teeth and bone. Obtaining good quality dental radiographs and properly interpreting them requires advanced training. Clinical examination of each tooth with dental instruments is also essential, since not all dental lesions are visible radiographically. With dental radiographs, we are able to get a comprehensive look at everything in your pet’s mouth and address any issues accordingly.

What signs might my pet show if they are having a problem with his/her teeth/mouth that requires medical attention?

Pets will conceal oral pain as much as possible, so their dental disease may be very advanced before it is noticeable. Eventually, signs such as bad breath, dropping food, jaw or face swelling, loose teeth, pus, gum recession, very red and inflamed tissues, and bleeding can be a clue that they are experiencing pain in their mouth.