Pet Dental Care in Wake Forest, NC, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Wake Forest is a vet in Wake Forest, NC, that cares for dog and cat teeth, from mouth checks at every exam to cleanings and extractions under anesthesia. Most adult pets have some dental disease by middle age.

Bad breath is not just a pet thing to live with. It is often the first sign of tartar, gum infection or a tooth that hurts.

Call (919) 891-6444 or book online for a dental check.

What are the signs my pet needs dental care?

At Petfolk Wake Forest, the vet looks for these signs during every exam, and you can watch for them at home:

• Bad breath that doesn't go away

• Yellow or brown buildup along the gumline

• Red, puffy or bleeding gums

• Chewing on one side, dropping food or eating slower

• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face

• A swelling under the eye, which can mean a tooth root abscess

Pets rarely cry about tooth pain. They just eat more carefully, which is easy to miss.

What happens during a dental cleaning?

A full dental cleaning at Petfolk Wake Forest is done under anesthesia, so the vet can clean below the gumline and check every tooth safely.

1. Before: An exam and blood work to check that anesthesia is safe.

2. Anesthesia: Your pet sleeps, with heart rate, breathing and oxygen watched the whole time.

3. Cleaning: Tartar is removed above and below the gumline, then teeth are polished.

4. Checking: Each tooth is probed and charted. Ask the team whether dental x-rays are part of your pet's plan.

5. Treatment: Loose or badly damaged teeth may be removed, with pain control.

6. Home: Most pets go home the same day with soft food and written care steps.

How old are most pets at their first cleaning?

Across Petfolk, the typical dental cleaning patient is about 7 and a half years old, for both dogs and cats (Oct 2025 to Sep 2026). Small dogs and some cat breeds often need care sooner. About 1 in 4 dog dental procedures and 3 in 10 cat procedures at Petfolk are booked as extractions or oral surgery, so waiting can mean more teeth lost.

I brought my cat here to have dental surgery. The Doctors and staff have all been very kind and supportive during my initial and follow up visits.

Herb W., Google review

Daily habits that help

Home care slows tartar between cleanings. Brushing with a pet toothpaste a few times a week is the best habit. Dental chews and water additives can help some pets. Start slow, with a finger and a treat, and build up over a couple of weeks. Avoid hard bones and antlers, which can crack teeth. The team can show you how at your next visit.

Calm care for nervous mouths

Many pets don't like their mouths handled. Fear Free handling at Petfolk Wake Forest means quick, gentle checks with treats and breaks while your pet is awake, and the deep cleaning is saved for anesthesia. That way no one has to hold a scared pet still for scraping.

What does a dental cleaning cost?

The cost of dental care at Petfolk Wake Forest depends on your pet's size, blood work and how many teeth need treatment. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit, for example if the vet finds a tooth that needs to come out. The team will call you before adding anything. CareCredit financing and major cards are accepted.

For pre-surgery testing, see blood work in Wake Forest.

When mouth trouble is urgent

A broken tooth with a pink center showing, a swollen face or a pet that won't eat at all should be seen the same day at Petfolk Wake Forest. If your pet has a mouth injury with heavy bleeding or trouble breathing, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as BluePearl Pet Hospital in Raleigh.

Schedule a dental check

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Wake Forest is at 3600 Rogers Branch Rd, Suite 103, Wake Forest, NC 27587, between Heritage and Rolesville. Start with an exam so the vet can plan the cleaning.

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