Professional Dental Cleaning
Pre-anesthetic exam — Whenever anesthesia is needed, special considerations are taken to help ensure the safety of your pet. Your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet to make sure they are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork will be preformed, and depending on your pet’s age and general physical condition, your veterinarian may also preform a urinalysis, electrocardiograph, or x-rays to check for any conditions that may affect your pet when undergoing anesthesia. Although there is some risk associated with any medical procedure, modern anesthesia is very safe, even for healthy older pets.
Anesthesia monitoring — During anesthesia, constant, dedicated monitoring and recording of your pet’s vital signs, such as body temperature, heart rate, and respiration, is important. This helps ensure the safety of your pet during the procedure.
Oral exam
 -- The oral exam is one of the most important steps to the dental cleaning. While your pet is under anesthesia, the veterinarian will examine every part of your pet's mouth, including the teeth, gums, palate, and tongue. There are many parts of your pet's mouth that can not be examined when they are awake. Many abnormalities such as tumors and oral lesions can only be noted during a dental cleaning.
If your pet allows, lift up their lip and look at their back teeth. Does your pet's teeth look like one of these pictures? If you are unsure if your pet can benefit from a professional dental cleaning, call Anclote Animal Hospital to request a dental consultation.
 
Dental radiographs  — Radiographs (x-rays) of the teeth (and roots below the gum line) may be recommended in order to completely evaluate your pet’s oral health. X-rays aid the veterinarian greatly in detecting abnormalities that cannot be detected under examination alone. In some cases, x-rays can confirm the need for extraction (surgical removal) of teeth that are loose or unhealthy.
Scaling & Polishing —
DURING SCALING AFTER
 
Plaque and calculus is removed from all teeth above and below the gum line using an ultrasonic scaler.
POLISHING
The teeth are then polished which smooths out the tooth's surface, making it harder for future plaque to attach.
Fluoride — An application of fluoride will then be used which can help strengthen and desensitize teeth as well as decrease future plaque buildup.
Home Dental Care 
Did you know that in 72 hours, plaque hardens into calculus, which is the hard substance that can not be brushed off your pet's teeth? Due to this fact, your pet’s dental care can not rest with your veterinarian alone. As a pet owner, you play a vital role in your pet’s dental health through regular at home care. There are many options available. From regular at home teeth brushing, to enzymatic dental chews, your veterinarian will help you decide what option suits you and your pet best. |
