Dental Disease Is Staged, Not All-or-Nothing
Most pet owners have heard their veterinarian mention a “dental grade,” but few know what that actually means. Here’s a quick breakdown, along with details on our new $550 Grade 1 Dental Package for dogs and cats.
Veterinary dentists classify periodontal disease on a scale from Grade 0 to Grade 4:
- Grade 0: No disease present. Regular cleanings and home brushing keep it that way.
- Grade 1: Early gingivitis and mild tartar buildup, with no bone loss yet. A professional cleaning under anesthesia, paired with home dental care, fully addresses it.
- Grade 2: More advanced buildup where bone loss is just beginning. Prompt professional cleaning helps prevent further damage.
- Grade 3 and 4: Significant bone loss around the teeth. Treatment may involve extractions or advanced procedures by a veterinary dental specialist.
The key insight: bone loss around the teeth and roots can’t be seen without dental X-rays. That’s part of why a proper veterinary exam, and not a glance at your pet’s mouth at home, is the only reliable way to know where your pet stands.
Why Grade 1 Is Actually Good News
If your pet is diagnosed at Grade 1, it means we caught things early. This is the stage where a single, thorough professional cleaning can fully restore your pet’s oral health, no extractions and no advanced treatment required. It’s the most straightforward and most affordable point at which to address dental disease.
What’s Included in Our $550 Grade 1 Dental Package
- Preoperative exam
- Preoperative blood work
- Anesthesia
- IV fluids
- Dental charting
- Full mouth ultrasonic scaling and polishing
- Full mouth dental radiographs (cats)
How We Determine Candidacy
Every dental procedure begins with a preoperative exam. This appointment allows us to confirm your pet is at Grade 1 and healthy enough for anesthesia. If your pet qualifies, the office visit fee rolls directly into the $550 package. If your pet’s needs are different, whether more advanced dental disease or a health concern that needs to be addressed first, the office visit fee applies on its own, and we’ll discuss the right next steps for your pet’s care.
Signs to Watch For at Home
- Bad breath
- Reluctance to have their mouth touched
- Red or swollen gums
- Visible tartar
- Decreased appetite or dropping food
If you notice any of these signs, or if it’s simply been a while since your pet’s last dental exam, we’d love to see them!
📍 Learn more about our practice: Seaside Veterinary Clinic
📞 Call us at 321-777-6111
👉 Schedule an appointment: Book Online