Teeth CleaningTeeth cleaning is an important part of maintaining your pet's health. Since pets do not brush their teeth, they build up a lifetime of plaque that hardens on their teeth and can lead to halitosis, pain, weight loss, root exposure, and is even a risk factor in heart and other organ disease! What happens during a teeth cleaning? On the day of your pet's cleaning you will need to drop them off fasted (no food after dinner time the night before) between 8 am and 9 am. Your pet will be given time to calm down and become acclimated to the noises and smells in the hospital. We will then sedate your pet with an injection and then intubate so that we can use a gas anesthesia and administer oxygen. After your pet is fully unconscious we will clean using an ultrasonic de-scaler to remove the plaque and calculus, and a low-speed polisher to ensure that your pet's teeth are left looking their best! If your pet needs dental extractions you will be contacted prior to the procedure. Pick-up after a teeth cleaning is typically between 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm. We keep pets with us for monitoring until they are fully conscious and are able to stand and walk independently. Why does my pet need a teeth cleaning? Your pet doesn't brush their teeth like (most) people do, which leaves them vulnerable to plaque, calculus (tartar) formation, root exposure, gum infections, and otherwise damaged teeth. Factors that may predispose a pet to dental issues are: breed, saliva make-up, and diet among other things. This means that some pets may reach a ripe old age with perfect teeth, and others may require annual or bi-annual cleanings to maintain healthy teeth. How will I know if my pet needs a teeth cleaning? Our doctors always check your pet's teeth during an annual exam, and he will let you know when it is the time, or approaching the time for your pet's teeth to be cleaned. Other signs that you might notice at home may include: bad breath, drooling, reduced appetite, pawing at the mouth, or oral sensitivity. |
Above is a BEFPRE PHOTO of one of our canine patients before a dental cleaning at our office.
Above is an AFTER PHOTO of one of our canine patients following a dental cleaning at our office.
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