Dental Cleanings Explained

Dental Cleanings Explained

What is involved in cleaning my dog's teeth?

Proper cleaning of the teeth requires complete cooperation of the patient so plaque and tartar can be removed properly.  Anesthesia is required to thoroughly clean the teeth.  Although anesthesia always carries a degree of risk, the modern anesthetics in use in our hospital minimize this risk, even for older dogs.  Depending on your dog's age and general health status, blood may be analyzed prior to anesthesia to evaluate blood cell counts and organ functions.

There are four steps in the cleaning process that will be used on your dog:

1.  Scaling removes the tartar above and below the gum line.  This is done with hand instruments and ultrasonic cleaning equipment. 
2.  Polishing smoothes the surface of the teeth, making them resistant to additional plaque formation. 
3.  Flushing removes dislodged tartar from the teeth and helps to remove the bacteria that accompany tartar. 
4.  Fluoride coating decreases teeth sensitivity, strengthens enamel, and decreases the rate of future plaque formation.
5.  Oravet, a plaque-prevention gel, is applied to the teeth.  A go home kit is recommended to continue preventing plaque from reforming.
6.  What type of scheduling is needed for teeth cleaning?

In order for us to clean your dog's teeth, we ask that you schedule the procedure a few days in advance.  It will be necessary to withhold food after 11:30 PM the night before; please do not remove the water.  Your dog should be admitted to the hospital early (between 7-8 AM) and will generally be ready for discharge in the late afternoon.  It will need to stay indoors that evening to insure that no accidents (falls, etc.) occur until complete recovery from anesthesia.  If that is not possible, you may elect to have the dog spend the night in the hospital.  It should be fed and watered lightly that evening and returned to normal feeding the next morning, at which time it should be completely recovered from the anesthetic.