Dental Cleaning Facts:

Dental disease is by far the most prevalent health problem and cause of prolonged pain in dogs and cats. Tarter, made up of bacteria and plaque, accumulate on pet’s teeth. Without dental care this leads to gingivitis, gingival recession and infection of the tooth roots and surrounding bone. Once, under the gum line, the bacteria travels in the bloodstream to all internal organs (heart, liver, kidnesys, brain) leading to chronic damage to their structure and decreasing their function, shortening the life span of the pet by as much as 25%. This process can be avoided with regular home care and routine professional cleanings.

What does a dental cleaning entail?

Once a pet’s health has been thoroughly assessed by the doctors exam and laboratory data (blood work), an IV catheter is placed. The IV catheter is important to deliver the safest forms of anesthesia as well as deliver IV fluids that support blood pressure and remove toxins (caused by bacteria) from the bloodstream. If a significant gingivitis is present, an injectable dose of antibiotics will be given prior to the procedure to protect the bloodstream and begin the healing phase. In most cases only a light plane of general anesthesia is required. Once under general anesthesia, a complete exam of the mouth will be done searching for pockets of bone loss, loose or broken teeth and tumors. The entire crown of each tooth is cleaned with an ultrasonic scaler instrument, and then a root planning procedure is done to remove the bacteria and plaque that is uner the gum line. When all the debis has been removed, the crown of each tooth receives both a polishing and a flouride treatment. It is also recommended to apply a sealant to the enamel to aid with its’ protection.

Why are dental x-ray's important?

Dental radiology (x-rays) is an essential tool in both humans and pets to complete the dental assessment and generate an acceptable therapeutic plan. Fifty percent of each tooth is below the gum line such as root abscesses, root fractures, severe bone loss of the jaw and cystic lesions so that they can be corrected during the procedure. Dental x-rays are especially imperative in pets due to their high tolernace of pain and inability to communicate it.