What to expect during your pet's dental exam and cleaning
When you go to your dentist for an exam and cleaning, you have a pretty good idea about what’s going to happen, but what’s the process when you take your dog or cat for a dental cleaning appointment?
First, general anesthesia is required to reduce stress and pain, and to ensure an accurate dental exam and cleaning. This allows your pet to be as comfortable as possible.
We take precautions prior to and during the anesthetic procedure in order to maintain the highest safety levels. Your pet will likely go home the same day as the procedure and may seem a little groggy for the rest of the day.
Your health care team will:
After the exam
Your health care team will:
What about anesthesia-free cleanings?
The American Veterinary Dental College advises against anesthesia-free cleaning because the procedure can cause pain, may be unsafe for your pet and/or the operator, and doesn’t allow cleaning or inspection below the gum line, which is important to help delay periodontal disease.
We recommend thorough dental x-rays and cleaning in order to help keep your pet’s teeth and oral cavity as healthy as possible.