A dental cleaning is not just about making teeth look clean. It is a medical procedure designed to treat infection, relieve pain, and protect your pet’s long-term health.
Why Dental Cleanings Are Performed Under Anesthesia
Unlike people, pets cannot understand instructions, hold their mouth open, or remain still during a dental procedure. For this reason, professional dental cleanings are performed under anesthesia.
Anesthesia allows the veterinary team to:
- Thoroughly examine every tooth
- Clean above and below the gumline
- Take accurate dental X-rays
- Treat infection safely and humanely
Without anesthesia, it would not be possible to properly treat the areas where dental disease is most severe.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During the Procedure
A typical dental cleaning includes several important steps:
1. Full Oral Examination
Once your pet is anesthetized, the veterinarian performs a detailed examination of the mouth, teeth, and gums to identify areas of disease or damage.
2. Dental X-Rays
Dental radiographs allow us to evaluate the roots and bone beneath the gums. Many painful problems are hidden below the surface and cannot be seen during a visual exam alone.
3. Scaling the Teeth
Special instruments are used to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, both above and below the gumline. Cleaning below the gumline is critical, as this is where most infection develops.
4. Polishing
After scaling, the teeth are polished to smooth the enamel and help slow down future plaque buildup.
5. Treatment and Extractions if Needed
If damaged, infected, or painful teeth are identified, extractions or additional treatments may be neccesary to relieve pain and prevent ongoing infection.
How We Keep Your Pet Safe and Comfortable
Your pet’s safety and comfort are always our top priorities.
Before anesthesia, your pet is carefully evaluated and appropriate pre-anesthetic testing is reviewed. During the procedure, your pet is continuously monitored for heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
Pain management is provided before, during, and after the procedure to ensure a comfortable recovery.
When Should a Dental Cleaning Be Scheduled?
We recommend scheduling a dental evaluation if you notice:
- Bad breath
- Red or bleeding gums
- Difficulty chewing
- Dropping food
- Pawing at the mouth
Even if you are not seeing obvious signs, dental disease can still be present below the gumline. Regular dental evaluations allow us to detect and treat problems early.
Have Questions About Dental Cleanings?
If you have questions about what a dental cleaning would involve for your pet, our team is always happy to help explain the process and discuss the safest plan for your pet.