About Dental Prophylaxis (Cleaning)
Our complete dental cleaning consists of the following: oral exam including charting and tooth by tooth evaluation, tartar removal, ultrasonic scaling, sub gingival (below the gum line) scaling, polishing with paste that contains fluoride to help strengthen enamel, rinsing and application of a special oral cleansing solution to disinfect the mouth and freshen breath.
Extractions may be needed and are done only when necessary. If a tooth is broken, the nerve and blood supply may be exposed, which is painful and provides direct access to the root for bacteria to cause an abscess. Some teeth may be severely affected by dental disease and become loose or have root exposure due to the inflammation and recession of the gum line. Extraction sites are sutured with dissolvable sutures and patients are sent home with antibiotics and pain medication.
We may take a dental radiograph to determine the health of the root(s). Rarely a tooth may be able to be saved by a special procedure. Some restorative work can be done while the pet is under anesthesia, though currently root canals or crowns may be referred to a veterinarian with a special interest in these endodontic procedures.
Customized home care instructions will help you care for your pet after his/her procedure. We offer specific instructions for feeding, medications and/or activity restrictions. We also take the time to discuss future dental care and options to help maintain your pet’s oral health.
Dave has very heavy tartar, and moderate gingivitis. We were concerned that there would be damage underneath the tartar, necessitating extractions. Lucky for Dave, the tartar cleaned off beautifully, with no fractures or staining evident on the teeth. The gingivitis will heal on its own once the tartar is gone, though antibiotics may be indicated for severe cases.