Pet dental care is crucial for maintaining your pet's overall health and well-being. Poor dental hygiene can lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar, which can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. These dental issues can be painful for your pet and can also lead to more serious health problems such as heart, liver, and kidney disease.
Regular dental cleanings and check-ups can help prevent these issues and keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy.
It's important to keep an eye out for signs of dental disease in your pet. Some common signs include:
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to schedule your pet for a dental check-up.
Now that we understand the importance of pet dental cleaning, let's look at the steps involved in the process.
Step 1. Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork - Before the dental cleaning, our veterinary team will perform bloodwork to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the procedure. This is especially important for older pets or those with underlying health conditions.
Step 2: Anesthesia - To ensure your pet is comfortable and safe during the cleaning, they will be placed under anesthesia. This allows our team to examine and thoroughly clean your pet's teeth and gums without causing them any stress or discomfort.
Step 3: Oral Exam - Once your pet is under anesthesia, our veterinarian will perform a thorough oral exam. This includes checking for any signs of dental disease, such as plaque, tartar, or gum inflammation. They will also look for any loose or damaged teeth that may need to be extracted.
Step 4: Scaling - Using specific tools, our veterinary team will remove any plaque and tartar buildup from your pet's teeth. This is an important step in preventing dental disease and maintaining your pet's oral health.
Step 5: Polishing - After scaling, our veterinary team will polish your pet's teeth to remove any remaining plaque and smooth the surface of the teeth. This helps prevent plaque from building up again quickly.
Step 6: Fluoride Treatment - To strengthen your pet's teeth and protect against future plaque buildup, our veterinary team may apply a fluoride treatment. This is especially beneficial for pets with weak or damaged teeth.
Step 8: Post-Procedure Care - Once the dental cleaning is complete, your pet will be monitored as they wake up from anesthesia. Our veterinarian may also prescribe pain medication or antibiotics if necessary. It's important to follow any post-procedure care instructions provided by our veterinarian to ensure your pet's full recovery.
Why is Anesthesia Necessary for Cat and Dog Dentals?
Some pet owners may be hesitant about putting their pet under anesthesia for a dental cleaning. However, it is necessary for thorough and safe cleaning. Anesthesia allows our veterinary team to clean below the gum line and perform any necessary procedures without causing discomfort to your pet. It also ensures that your pet remains still and does not accidentally injure themselves during the cleaning.
It's crucial to highlight that contemporary anesthesia is highly safe, with minimal risk of complications when administered by our skilled veterinarians. The advantages of maintaining a clean and healthy mouth significantly outweigh any potential risks associated with anesthesia.
While regular dental cleanings at the vet are important, there are also steps you can take at home to keep your pet's teeth clean and healthy.
Finding a cat or dog dentist near you in Shawnee is easy with our online direct booking feature. Both new and existing clients seeking care from a pet dentist may schedule an appointment at our Shawnee vet clinic.
Located off of Oklahoma 3W on the corner of N Kickapoo St and W Independence St.
Phone: 405-275-0990
