Professional Pet Teeth Cleaning

Professional Pet Teeth CleaningProfessional pet teeth cleaning is a critical step in maintaining your pet's oral and overall health. Unlike at-home dental care, professional cleaning involves thorough cleaning under anesthesia to remove tartar, address gum disease, and prevent serious complications.

Why Professional Cleaning is Important

  1. Prevention of Dental Disease
    • Without regular cleaning, plaque hardens into tartar, leading to periodontal disease.
    • Gum infections can cause tooth loss and systemic health problems affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.
  2. Thorough Cleaning
    • Professional cleanings reach below the gumline, where bacteria can cause the most damage.
    • This level of cleaning is impossible to achieve with at-home methods alone.
  3. Early Detection of Issues
    • Veterinarians can identify and treat issues like fractured teeth, oral tumors, and abscesses during a cleaning.

What Happens During a Professional Cleaning?

  1. Pre-Cleaning Examination
    • Your vet conducts a physical exam and may perform blood tests to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia.
  2. Anesthesia Administration
    • Cleaning under anesthesia ensures your pet remains still and comfortable while allowing the vet to work safely and thoroughly.
  3. Scaling and Polishing
    • Plaque and tartar are removed using ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments.
    • Teeth are polished to smooth surfaces, reducing future plaque buildup.
  4. X-rays
    • Dental X-rays may be taken to evaluate the health of tooth roots and surrounding bone.
  5. Post-Cleaning Care
    • After the procedure, your pet is monitored during recovery and sent home with aftercare instructions.

How Often Should Pets Have Professional Cleanings?

  • Frequency depends on your pet's breed, age, diet, and at-home dental care.
  • Most pets benefit from an annual cleaning, but some may require more frequent cleanings based on their oral health needs.

Risks and Considerations

  1. Anesthesia Concerns
    • While modern anesthesia is safe, it carries some risks, especially for senior pets or those with underlying health issues.
    • Pre-anesthetic testing reduces these risks.
  2. Cost
    • Professional cleaning can range from $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on your location and the complexity of care.
  3. Post-Procedure Sensitivity
    • Your pet may experience mild discomfort, but this is usually temporary.

At-Home Maintenance After Cleaning

To prolong the benefits of professional cleaning:
  • Brush your pet’s teeth daily with vet-approved toothpaste.
  • Use dental chews and water additives.
  • Schedule regular check-ups with your vet to monitor oral health.
Professional teeth cleaning is an essential investment in your pet’s health, preventing painful dental disease and costly complications. Combining professional care with a consistent at-home routine ensures your pet enjoys a healthy and happy life.