grandview animal hospital / Dental Cleaning

Teeth Cleaning - What You and Your Pet Can Expect

For most of us, caring for our teeth and gums has been part of our daily routine for as long as we can remember. Just like you, your pet needs dental care, too. Proper dental care is vital for the continued good health of your pet. If undetected, dental disease results in infected gums, bad breath and tooth loss, not to mention pain and discomfort. Periodontal disease is the most prevalent disease in dogs and cats; 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three are already showing signs of periodontal disease. Many of these have progressed to a stage which is not reversible.

The problem begins when plaque and tarter are allowed to build-up on your pet’s teeth. Tarter is like a sponge. All of the microscopic holes are quickly filled with bacteria which thrive in the “dirty” environment of your pet’s mouth. Over time this process results in bad breath and gingival (gum) infections. These bacteria don’t just stay in the mouth. Continual infection present in the mouth can result in illness affecting the entire body, not just dental disease.

Like people, your pet’s teeth need professional cleaning. Veterinary dentistry requires general anesthesia, similar to “sleep dentistry” in people who are uneasy with dental procedures. Anesthesia is maintained with isoflurane gas and oxygen through a breathing tube which is placed into the trachea (windpipe). Before anesthetizing your pet we will perform a physical exam and routine labwork to ensure they are a candidate for the procedure.

Our professional cleaning includes 6 steps:

· Initial examination of the mouth, teeth and gums to note extent of dental disease. A probe is used to measure gum recession.

· An ultrasonic scaler is used to remove plaque and tarter from each surface of each individual tooth, including beneath the gum line.

· The exterior of each individual tooth is polished to remove stains and smooth the surface.

· The mouth is flushed with antiseptic solution.

· Another examination of the mouth is preformed to ensure each tooth has been thoroughly cleaned.

· Finally, a fluoride treatment is applied. Fluoride has been shown to strengthen enamel.

Extractions are preformed when a tooth is permanently damaged or severely decayed. The ligaments which hold the teeth firmly in the mouth are softened and destroyed by chronic exposure to infection. When a tooth is pulled the socket is flushed and sutured (stitched) to speed healing and reduce discomfort. Animals with teeth extracted are given pain medication as needed to ensure a comfortable recovery. If gingivitis or infection is extensive, antibiotics may also be necessary.

Once the procedure is completed, your pet will be closely monitored during recovery from the anesthesia. Your pet will be discharged with a written report detailing the dental cleaning and any specific concerns regarding individual teeth. You will be encouraged to continue dental care at home. We will discuss Oravet, Plaq-Off, CET Aquadent, t-d diet and especially brushing to see what option or combination will work best for you and your pet. A vaccine is also available to prevent additional infection and is a great addition to our arsenal for small breed dogs especially prone to tooth loss. Remember: home care is essential and can be easy!