What to Expect When Taking Your Pet for a Professional Teeth Cleaning: A First-Hand Account

Just like many of us ensure regular dental check-ups, it’s crucial to ensure our pets receive the same care for their teeth. However, taking your pet to the veterinarian for a professional teeth cleaning can seem daunting for you and your furry friend. 

Don’t worry; this detailed guide will explain the entire process, making it easier for you to know what to expect and ensure your pet feels comfortable throughout the experience.

Preparing for the Dental Cleaning Appointment

Scheduling an Appointment

Start by contacting your veterinary clinic to schedule your pet’s teeth cleaning appointment. The vet will review your pet’s chart and determine if pre-anesthetic testing is recommended to ensure the procedure’s safety.

Pre-anesthetic Testing

Since pets don’t willingly open their mouths for teeth cleaning, anesthesia is necessary to keep them still and pain-free and protect their airways during the procedure. Your veterinary clinic may recommend pre-anesthetic testing to minimize potential risks and tailor an anesthesia plan specifically for your pet.

Fasting Instructions

Ensure your pet fasts the night before the procedure to reduce risks related to anesthesia. Generally, it’s advised not to give your pet food after 10 p.m. the night before, but they can still have access to water.

Checking in at the Veterinary Clinic

Reviewing Anesthetic Consent Form

Upon arrival, a licensed veterinary technician will review the anesthetic consent form with you, discussing the veterinarian’s recommendations for your pet. They can answer your questions and explain the process so you feel comfortable moving forward.

Providing a Contact Number

Remember to leave a contact number where the veterinary clinic can quickly reach you while your pet is cared for. This will allow them to update you on your pet’s progress and discuss additional findings during the dental examination.

Pre-anesthetic Physical Examination

Before the procedure, the veterinarian will examine your pet, checking their teeth, heart, and lungs. Based on this examination and pre-anesthetic testing, the vet will determine the best anesthesia plan for your pet.

Anesthesia for Pets

Anesthesia is essential to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety during a teeth cleaning procedure. The veterinary team will monitor your pet’s vital signs using equipment similar to that used in human hospitals, which helps minimize risks and maximize safety.

Dental Examination and Treatment Process

The dental procedure begins with the technician removing large chunks of tartar from your pet’s teeth. They will then evaluate the teeth for infections, pockets, or other signs of disease and discuss these findings with the veterinarian to determine the best course of action. Digital X-rays may be taken to decide on potential tooth extractions if necessary.

The plaque will then be removed from your pet’s teeth using an ultrasonic scaler above and below the gum line. This step is crucial to preventing ongoing dental disease and potential systemic infections that can worsen your pet’s health.

Additional Dental Treatments

After plaque removal, the technician will polish your pet’s teeth, smooth their surfaces, and make them more resistant to future plaque buildup. Your pet’s teeth will then be treated with fluoride to strengthen them further and reduce the risk of tooth decay.

A dental sealant, such as Oravet, may also be applied to help prevent plaque and tartar accumulation. This sealant bonds with the teeth and can facilitate the use of home dental care products to maintain your pet’s oral health.

Vet Dental Care

If you need clarification on which dental care services are right for your pet, consult a vet dentist specializing in this area. These experts can provide tailored advice and treatment plans for your pet’s needs and make their teeth cleaning experience as comfortable as possible.

Vet Surgery

Sometimes, tooth extractions or other dental surgery might be necessary for your pet’s well-being. For more information on these procedures, visit your veterinarian’s website, which typically details their services and operations.

Veterinary Internal Medicine

It’s essential to recognize that dental health is closely related to your pet’s well-being. Occasionally, dental problems can indicate, or contribute to, more significant health issues. Therefore, knowing about veterinary internal medicine can help you better understand how dental care plays a role in your pet’s overall health.

Post-Anesthesia Care and Recovery

After the dental procedure, your pet will be closely monitored as they wake up from anesthesia. The veterinary team will ensure they are warm, comfortable, and ready to go home once they’re fully awake. Follow any post-procedure instructions the veterinarian provides to ensure your pet quickly and smoothly recovers.

Final Thoughts

Regular professional teeth cleanings are vital in maintaining your pet’s oral health and overall well-being. This step-by-step guide lets you know exactly what to expect the next time your furry companion needs a dental check-up. Making informed decisions about your pet’s dental care will ensure their teeth remain in optimal condition for years to come.