The significance of oral hygiene is fundamental in the health of a patient. 

– An estimated 80% of all pets have dental disease by the age of three. The mouth of cats and dogs is a great incubator for bacteria and can contribute to heart, liver and kidney disease.

What does a dental cleaning involve?

– General anesthesia is required.

– Pre-operative blood work is performed to evaluate the patients general health and determine if they are good candidate for the procedure.

– During the procedure the patients vitals are monitored closely (heart rate, respiratory rate, ECG, blood pressure, temperature).

– Intravenous fluids are administered to help maintain blood pressure, hydration and assist in recovery.

The dental itself:

– Visible dental calculus (tartar) is removed from the teeth and from the gum line with an ultrasonic scaler.

– Periodontal sockets are probed and measured to assess periodontal disease.

– The roots are planed (tartar is scraped from below the gum line) until the roots are smooth again.

– The enamel is polished to remove any unevenness left by tartar removal.

– The mouth is disinfected and possibly treated with a fluoride sealer or plaque repellent.

– A complete dental chart is completed, noting abnormalities on each of the dog’s 42 teeth or the cat’s 30 teeth.