One of the best methods of prevention of dental disease is frequent dental cleaning, which involves removal of plaque and tartar buildup, just like in people.  This is accomplished by cleaning the teeth with an ultrasonic scalar, followed by polishing, while under general anesthesia.  Pets must be under general anesthesia for this procedure, as attempting to scale tartar while the pet is awake is uncomfortable for the pet, may cause damage to the gums or tooth enamel and makes needed treatment or extraction of diseased teeth impossible. 

Full-mouth digital dental radiography during all of our dental cleanings is standard. Sixty percent of the tooth is below the gum line and is thus "hidden" - this is where dental x-rays come in. Many of these hidden problems are painful, so diagnosis and treatment are provided efficiently. If loose, discolored, broken or otherwise diseased teeth are noted during the dental procedure, they can be surgically removed.

We take pain management very seriously with our patients. During the procedure, we utilize local blocks to numb the area so that the patient is comfortable post-operatively. We will use IV pain medication to ensure they remain comfortable when they go home. We will also send home oral pain medication to be given at home when needed.

All patients undergoing general anesthesia are carefully monitored during their procedure (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate,O2 saturation, end tidal CO2, ECG, body temperature).  

As with other surgeries, an intravenous catheter is placed in the patient to deliver fluids, pain medications and drugs necessary should any abnormality be detected.

Cleaning

Polishing

We take pain management very seriously with our patients. During the procedure, we utilize local blocks to numb the area so that the patient is comfortable post-operatively. We will use IV pain medication to ensure they remain comfortable when they go home. We will also send home oral pain medication to be given at home when needed.

Before

After

Methods of dental tartar prevention at home

Brush your pets teeth daily with a pet-approved toothpaste and brush

Give pets treats for dental health, such as C.E.T. HEXtra Dental Chews

Give pets toys designed for dental health, such as the KONG Dental Stix

severe horizontal bone loss around roots 

Premolar with two fractured roots below the gum line 

Healthy mouth, for comparison