Dental Cleaning

A professional dental cleaning is an important procedure that maintains the quality of life and health of your pet. Bacteria associated with dental calculus causes gum inflammation, loosening of teeth, tooth infections, bad breath and pain. The spread of bacteria from the mouth into the body promotes diseases including kidney and heart infections.

Anesthesia:

Please click here to read more about our pre-anesthetic protocols and gas anesthesia.

Dental Cleaning Procedure:

Calculus removal (Scaling)

Most pets have a large amount of tartar (calculus) present on their teeth from prolonged accumulation. During a professional dental cleaning, an ultrasonic scaler is used to remove all of the tartar. The calculus is removed from the surface of the tooth and also from the gingival pocket underneath the gum line. It is only then that the teeth can be examined properly.

Dental Radiographs

Dental radiographs are essential for making an accurate diagnosis. 60% of dental disease is hidden below the gum line. Without radiographs, oral problems may be missed which could lead to discomfort of your pet for years.

Dental Exam

It is impossible to examine the teeth properly before all of the tarter is removed. Each tooth will be examined with a dental probe to measure the depth of the gingival pocket around the tooth. Each tooth is evaluated according to its own merit and a decision is made as to the outcome. Our goal is to keep every tooth possible in the mouth, however, there are many reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted. This may include periodontal disease, loss of tooth attachment, bone loss around the tooth, broken teeth, crowded teeth, retained baby teeth, or other painful tooth conditions. We will make every effort to save marginal teeth though in some instances it may be best to have the tooth extracted.

Extractions

Extractions are performed only when there is no other option in saving the tooth. Depending on the tooth, there may be between 1 to 3 roots and it is important to remove each root entirely. Teeth with multiple roots will need to be cut and sectioned before the individual roots are able to be removed. Rest assured, tooth extractions will alleviate painful conditions in your pet’s mouth and add to their quality of life.

Polishing

Once the teeth are cleaned, examined, and other dental procedures are performed, the teeth are then polished to remove any microscopic defects on the surface of the teeth. This is accomplished with a low speed handpiece and polishing paste. Polishing helps prevent immediate reattachment of bacteria and calculus.

OraVet Application

OraVet Barrier Sealant is a viscous gel-type material that has been clinically proven to create an invisible barrier on the tooth, preventing plaque and tarter from attaching to the teeth. This allows for easier home dental care and possible prolonged time between dental cleaning procedures. OraVet is non-toxic and safe for pets of any age.

Recovery

After the dental cleaning is complete, your pet’s mouth and face are rinsed to remove any remaining debris. In the recovery room, your pet wakes up quickly from the sevoflorane anesthesia. If any painful conditions exist, pain medication will be given as needed. It is our hospital policy that pain medication is given whenever patients show any symptoms of pain. The time in recovery will vary depending on your pet’s condition and procedures performed. We will attempt to contact you after the procedure at the number provided to us on the admission form. In general, if you have not heard from us by 2pm, call our office for an update and arrange for a discharge time.