Pet Dental Care in Lakewood, Dallas, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Lakewood is a vet in Lakewood, East Dallas, that looks after dog and cat teeth: oral exams, professional cleanings, tooth extractions and advice for brushing at home. Most dental problems start under the gumline, where you can't see them.

Bad breath is not just "dog breath." It is usually a sign of plaque, tartar or infection, and it is one of the most common things the vet finds at a yearly checkup.

Call (682) 339-7822 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome, and the clinic is open weekends.

Signs your pet's mouth hurts

Pets rarely stop eating because of tooth pain. Instead, look for smaller clues:

• Bad breath that doesn't go away

• Yellow or brown buildup on the teeth

• Red or bleeding gums

• Chewing on one side, or dropping kibble

• Pawing at the face or rubbing it on the carpet

• Drooling more than usual, sometimes with blood

• A cat who suddenly skips dry food

If you notice any of these, book an exam. The vet checks every tooth they can see and tells you whether a cleaning is needed.

What happens during a dental cleaning at Petfolk Lakewood?

A real cleaning needs anesthesia, because the most important work happens under the gums. Here is how the day usually goes:

1. A check before anesthesia. The vet reviews your pet's exam and often recommends blood work to make sure anesthesia is a safe choice.

2. Anesthesia with monitoring. A team member watches heart rate, breathing and temperature throughout.

3. Scaling and polishing. Tartar is removed above and below the gumline, then the teeth are polished smooth.

4. A tooth-by-tooth check. The vet looks for loose teeth, broken teeth and deep pockets in the gums.

5. Extractions if needed. Teeth that are badly damaged or infected come out so they stop hurting.

6. Going home. You get pain medicine if needed and soft-food instructions.

Before the day, ask how the team will reach you if the vet finds a tooth that needs to come out. Keep your phone close while your pet is in.

How often does my pet need a cleaning?

It depends on the pet. Small dogs, flat-faced breeds and many cats build tartar quickly and may need a cleaning every year or two. Large dogs with good home care can go longer. Across Petfolk, the typical dental cleaning patient is about 7 and a half years old, and more than a quarter of dental patients are 10 or older (Petfolk data, Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026). Age alone is not a reason to skip dental care.

Can I care for my pet's teeth at home?

Yes, and it makes a big difference between cleanings:

• Brushing with a pet toothpaste is the gold standard. Start slow, a few teeth at a time, with lots of praise.

• Dental chews and water additives help some pets. Ask the vet which ones fit your pet.

• Avoid hard bones, antlers and ice cubes. They break teeth more often than people expect.

Fear Free handling applies to mouths too. The team takes a look gently and lets your pet get used to having their lips lifted. Learn more about senior pet care in Lakewood if your pet is older.

Paying for dental work

Dental costs depend on your pet's size, age and how many teeth need work, so the vet gives you a number after the exam. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. Ask the team whether a PetfolkCare membership would lower your cost. The clinic takes major cards, Apple Pay and CareCredit financing, which some families use to spread out a larger dental bill. If your pet has insurance, ask for a detailed invoice to send in.

A swollen face, a jaw that won't close or a broken tooth with bleeding should be seen the same day. If your pet can't breathe well or collapses, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) at 4500 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75206.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Lakewood, or see all veterinary services in Lakewood.