Beyond Surface Cleaning
Dental disease causes chronic pain, difficulty eating, and bacterial infection that affects heart, kidneys, and liver health. Surface cleaning addresses only part of the problem—most dental disease develops beneath the gumline, invisible without radiography.
Our dental suites feature digital full-mouth X-rays at both Darlinghurst and Double Bay, revealing root disease, bone loss, and abscesses that may be hidden from visual examination. We perform surgical extractions, treat periodontal disease, and address fractured teeth with comprehensive anaesthesia monitoring and multimodal pain management.
What Dental Treatment Involves
Every Dental Procedure Includes:
- Pre-anaesthetic health assessment and blood work
- Full general anaesthesia with continuous monitoring
- Digital full-mouth radiography
- Ultrasonic scaling and polishing
- Detailed oral examination
- Surgical extractions when indicated
- Multimodal pain management
- Post-operative monitoring and discharge instructions
Recovery Expectations:
Most pets go home the same day with pain medication and feeding instructions. Soft food is typically recommended for 7-14 days following extractions. Discomfort usually resolves within 3-5 days with appropriate pain management. Some pets require overnight monitoring at external emergency centres if concerned about post-operative complications.
Understanding Anaesthetic Safety
Dental procedures require general anaesthesia. We minimise risk through pre-operative health screening, modern anaesthesia protocols tailored to each pet’s health status, intravenous fluid support, and continuous monitoring throughout the procedure.
Age alone doesn’t prevent dental treatment. We assess each pet individually and adjust protocols based on their specific health conditions. For many senior pets, the health benefits of treating painful dental disease outweigh appropriately managed anaesthetic risk.
When External Specialist Referral Helps
We handle most dental procedures in-house, including complex extractions. Cases requiring external specialist intervention include:
- Jaw reconstruction following fracture or extensive bone loss
- Extensive oral tumours requiring radical surgery and histopathology
- Root canal therapy (endodontics) for fractured teeth in young animals
- Complicated maxillofacial trauma requiring advanced reconstruction
We’ll recommend external specialist dental referral when it genuinely benefits your pet’s outcome.
Prevention Between Procedures
Home dental care, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups can help extend the time between professional cleanings. We teach effective brushing techniques and recommend products that genuinely help maintain oral health.
However, some pets require professional cleaning every 6-12 months, despite excellent home care, such as tiny breeds that are genetically predisposed to dental disease. Regular assessment enables us to identify problems early, when treatment is simpler and less costly.
For more information on Advanced Dentistry, contact Vet HQ Darlinghurst or Double Bay.
Comprehensive Vet Care
Trusted veterinary services all under one roof
We provide comprehensive care for every aspect of your pet’s health and happiness. From routine check-ups and vaccinations to advanced diagnostics, surgery and palliative care, our experienced team delivers thoughtful, high-quality care in-house, supporting your pet through every stage of life.
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We have been bringing our pets to Vet Hq in Darlinghurst for almost a decade because, simply, they are the best! Dr Jess Green treats all her patients with thoroughness, compassion and true care. The entire nursing team are also spectacular and we will not be taking our pets anywhere else as long as Vet Hq is around.
Emma Jones
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5
The team at Vet HQ Darlinghurst are amazing! Everyone is so friendly and caring, and they really take the time to make sure your pet feels comfortable. The vets explain things clearly and you can tell they truly love animals. The clinic is clean and welcoming, and I always feel my pet is in the best hands.
Dardiles Ar
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5
Best Vet Clinic! Oh My Gosh, I owe these guys everything, if it wasn’t for this clinic, I wouldn’t have my WylieCat anymore.
My cat fell out a window, 6 storeys down to concrete, & although he didn’t break bones, he broke his insides, especially his liver. The dedication of care…
Ash Geros
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5
Thank you to Jess and the team for looking after our Winnie. Always take extra care and attention. Jess truely listens and takes consideration. Appreciate it.
Annabel Savill
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5
We had a seriously wonderful experience here. The team is so friendly, thorough in their explanations for their care, and knowledgeable. I so appreciate a doctor taking the time to educate me as an owner; there’s no better feeling than being an informed decision maker and owner. Our golden retriever, Leo, had the best care…
Jayme Decker
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5
I have had dogs from the day I was born. I’ve lost track of the number of veterinarian practices I have dealt with . Vet HQ Double Bay is the best practice ever. Full stop. From the reception staff, to the nurses, to the vets, and to Geoff – the best of the best. Look no further for the most caring team on the planet
Jimmy Pozarik
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Vet HQ Double Bay has been looking after our beloved Hendrix since he was just 8 weeks old—he’s now nearly 12! The level of care, support, and understanding from the entire team has been absolutely fantastic.
Leigh Minning
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Saw Dr Tony today for our rabbit’s vaccination and she got a mani/pedi too! Dr Tony is so experienced and handled her so beautifully
Kate Huggins
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5
I took my new puppy Zebo (golden retriever) for his 2nd vaccination and the staff made the whole experience amazing made him and myself feel relaxed and welcome! Staff our extremely knowledgeable and are there to help with any questions and worries❤️.
Oscar Dilke
Google Rating
5
Best team , my mini Schnauzer loves his treats and cuddles
He is with VetHQ since he was 8 weeks old, now he is 12 and a half years old beautiful dog . Geoff and everyone at the Clinic is dedicated and loving to our best friends
Judith Crawley
FAQs for our Vet HQ Family
Why is digital radiography essential for dental treatment?
Approximately 60% of dental disease develops beneath the gum line, which is invisible during a visual examination. Digital full-mouth radiography reveals root abscesses, bone loss, and diseased teeth that appear normal on surface examination. Without radiographs, significant disease remains undetected and untreated, leaving pets with ongoing pain and progressing infection.
How often does my pet need dental treatment?
Frequency depends on breed, age, the effectiveness of home care, and individual susceptibility to dental disease. Some pets need attention every 6-12 months. Others maintain good dental health for several years. We recommend annual dental assessments to determine your pet’s specific needs and create prevention plans.
Is dental anaesthesia safe for older pets?
Age alone doesn’t prevent dental treatment. We assess each pet individually through pre-anaesthetic blood work and physical examination. Modern anaesthesia protocols, intravenous fluid support, and continuous monitoring make procedures safe for most senior pets when appropriately managed. Untreated dental disease often causes more health problems than appropriately managed anaesthesia.
What if my pet has heart disease or kidney problems?
We adjust anaesthetic protocols based on your pet’s specific health conditions. Some pets benefit from stabilisation before dental procedures. Others proceed with modified protocols tailored to their specific condition. We discuss risks and benefits honestly for your individual pet’s situation, helping you make informed decisions.
My pet seems fine. Why treat dental disease?
Pets often hide dental pain remarkably well, continuing to eat despite significant discomfort, as their survival instinct overrides pain signals. Dental disease causes chronic suffering even when behaviour appears normal. Additionally, oral bacteria enter the bloodstream during chewing, affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver over time. Early treatment prevents both pain and systemic disease progression.
How much does dental treatment cost?
Costs vary depending on the disease severity and the number of extractions required. We cannot provide accurate estimates without examining your pet and assessing radiographs taken under anaesthesia. Simple cleanings cost less than procedures requiring multiple extractions. We provide detailed estimates once we’ve assessed the extent of disease revealed by radiography.
Book your pet’s appointment today and experience trusted, compassionate care from our dedicated Vet HQ team
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