CANINE/FELINE DENTAL CARE
A dental cleaning, also sometimes called a "prophy" or prophylaxis, is a thorough cleaning and polishing of a dog or cat's teeth. This must be done under anesthesia to be done correctly.
Pet dental care is important for several reasons:
A dental cleaning, also sometimes called a "prophy" or prophylaxis, is a thorough cleaning and polishing of a dog or cat's teeth. This must be done under anesthesia to be done correctly.
Pet dental care is important for several reasons:
- Gum infections can cause your pet pain and discomfort.
- Gum and tooth infections can lead to infections/inflammation elsewhere in the body (heart, kidney, liver, etc).
- Halitosis (bad breath) can make your pet unpleasant to be around.
- Addressing problems early can save your pet discomfort and can save you money in the long run.
- A blood sample will be drawn from your pet for analysis to identify any potential problems that the doctor needs to be aware of and to determine if your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia.
- Your pet is anesthetized. This is often what worries most pet owners, however under proper protocols anesthesia is very safe. We will use the safest anesthetics for your pet and monitor their vital signs with advanced veterinary monitoring equipment. The doctor will always be present during the procedure.
- Intravenous fluids (through a catheter in your pet's leg) are always provided. This improves safety and comfort.
- A full cleaning under the gum-line where periodontal disease lurks. It would be impossible to clean this area on an awake dog or cat, but this is where periodontal disease begins with bacteria "living" below the gum tissue.
- Scaling and polishing of the crown, or visible part of your dog or cat's teeth. A veterinary cleaning does require scaling or scraping the tooth to remove plaque and calculus. Scaling is completed to remove plaque and tartar build-up on the tooth crown.
- A complete oral exam is performed by the doctor. Radiographs (x-rays) are taken if indicated, to identify any problems beneath the gum-line. Common painful problems that could be identified with radiographs are broken teeth and roots, periodontal disease, dead teeth, abscesses or infected teeth.
- Last, the teeth are polished leaving a completely smooth surface of the tooth which discourages plaque and bacteria from adhering to the rough tooth surface. Then a fluoride foam is applied to the teeth.
