Periodontal infection is the most common oral health condition veterinarians see in cats, and it can take hold well before any obvious symptoms appear. Cats are instinctively skilled at hiding pain, so plaque and tartar can progress to gum infection and bone loss long before a cat’s owner notices anything wrong. Left untreated, dental infection in cats may lead to tooth loss, chronic pain, and complications that can affect the heart, kidneys, and other organs.
At Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness, our cat care team takes a feline-focused approach to dental health, combining thorough oral examinations, gentle handling, and modern dental technology to help identify problems early. Serving Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Citrus Heights, and the surrounding Placer and Sacramento County communities, our privately owned practice is built around client education and five-star care for every cat we see.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, periodontal infection is considered the most prevalent oral condition affecting cats, which makes early identification and treatment an important part of feline wellness care. Feline dental infection typically begins with plaque, a soft film of bacteria that forms on the teeth within hours of eating. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar within days, and tartar along the gumline can progress to gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal infection.
Without treatment, gingivitis can advance to deeper periodontal infection, bone loss around the tooth roots, and tooth resorption, a painful condition common in cats where the tooth structure itself begins to break down. Cats are far less likely than dogs to show obvious pain, a survival instinct dating back to their wild ancestors, so many cats continue eating and behaving normally even with advanced dental infection. In many cases, routine oral examinations, rather than waiting for visible symptoms, offer the most reliable way to catch problems early.
Anesthesia-free dental cleaning is sometimes marketed as a lower-cost option, but it only addresses the visible crown of the tooth and cannot clean below the gumline, where periodontal infection actually develops. The restraint required for an awake cleaning can potentially be stressful for a cat and may mask problems that need prompt treatment. A cleaning performed under general anesthesia, paired with dental x-rays, remains the appropriate way to properly evaluate and treat what is happening beneath the gumline.
The cost of a professional cat dental cleaning can vary based on factors such as pre-anesthetic bloodwork, the number of dental x-rays needed, and whether extractions are required. Our team discusses cost expectations with you before any procedure so you can make an informed decision about your cat’s care.
We offer a full range of feline dental services designed to meet cats at every stage of oral health, from preventive exams to treatment for existing infection.
Whichever services your cat needs, our team tailors the treatment plan to their individual health history and temperament.
Every cat undergoing a dental procedure at Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness receives pre-anesthetic bloodwork to confirm they are a good candidate for anesthesia, followed by continuous monitoring of heart rate, breathing, blood oxygen, and body temperature throughout the cleaning. This monitoring supports safety for cats of all ages, including senior cats and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr. Christina Venable, our pain management specialist, helps guide protocols for cats undergoing extractions or other advanced dental treatment, so comfort is addressed before, during, and after the procedure. Our board certified surgeon oversees complex dental surgical cases. As a privately owned, family-run practice, we prioritize gentle handling and a calm environment, including a quiet feline hospitalization ward separate from our canine patients, over rushing cats through their appointments.
Bad breath that does not improve over time is often one of the earliest signs of dental infection, and it is worth a veterinary exam rather than something to dismiss as normal cat breath.
Drooling more than usual, especially if the saliva looks pink or tinged with blood, can point to gum inflammation, a broken tooth, or an oral injury that needs prompt evaluation.
A reduced appetite, dropping food while eating, or chewing only on one side of the mouth may mean your cat is in pain and avoiding the affected teeth. Cats with significant appetite changes should be seen quickly, since they can develop other health complications from not eating.
Pawing at the mouth or face is a behavioral sign that your cat is trying to relieve oral discomfort and should not be ignored.
If your cat is refusing food entirely, seems to be in significant pain, or you are unsure how urgently they need to be seen, our urgent care team can help you determine the right next step.
Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness is a privately owned veterinary practice serving Roseville and the surrounding Placer and Sacramento County communities. Our team includes a board certified surgeon, alongside Dr. Christina Venable, our pain management specialist, and Dr. Arlene McKinstry, our integrative medicine practitioner. Together, they bring veterinary ethics, premium pet care, and client education to every cat dental appointment.
If you have noticed changes in your cat’s breath, eating habits, or behavior, do not wait to have their teeth checked. Call us at (916) 773-8578 or contact us online to arrange a dental exam and give your cat’s oral health the attention it deserves.
Pain Management Specialist
Integrative Medicine Practitioner
Board-Certified Surgeon
Located at 254 Gibson Drive in Roseville, our family-owned veterinary clinic provides compassionate, five-star care to pets throughout Roseville and the surrounding areas. Led by board-certified surgeon Dr. Erin Paster with over 20 years of experience, our team treats every pet with the same love and respect we would our own.
The information provided on this website has been reviewed by our veterinarians but is for educational purposes only. It should not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is experiencing a medical concern, please contact our clinic at (916) 773-8578 or seek immediate veterinary care.
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