Have you been seeing a lot of tartar on your dog’s teeth or smelled some pretty bad breath? Perhaps your veterinarian has recommended a dental cleaning. You may be hesitant or worried because you don’t have all the information. What exactly is a professional canine dental cleaning in Idaho Falls and what does it involve? We’re here today to answer your questions!
You may have noticed that your veterinarian looks at your dog’s teeth at each examination. That’s because dental health is an important part of every dog’s wellbeing. If your vet detects dental disease, a professional canine dental cleaning may be recommended in order to keep your dog healthy. If you notice signs of dental disease, it’s important to discuss it with your vet.
About Professional Canine Dental Cleaning in Idaho Falls
A professional dental cleaning is sometimes called “dental prophylaxis” in cases of mild disease because it is a preventive procedure. When dental disease is significant, the professional dental cleaning may be considered “periodontal treatment”.
Most vet offices will simply nickname the procedure a “dental.” And much like your own routine visits to the dentist, a professional canine dental cleaning in Idaho Falls involves thorough scaling, close inspection of the teeth, gums and mouth and polishing of the teeth. However, one cannot expect a dog to open wide and say “ahh.” No dog will let people tinker around in his mouth with water and metal tools.
Therefore, general anesthesia is necessary to do a proper dental cleaning and oral examination.
Before the Dental Cleaning
While veterinarians strive to make anesthesia as safe as possible, it is not without risk. Animals with underlying health conditions will be at greater risk for anesthetic complications. Therefore, most vets recommend lab work before a professional canine dental cleaning in Idaho Falls.
Normal lab results assure your vet that anesthesia poses the lowest risk possible. Abnormal lab results will let your vet know that anesthesia protocols need adjustment, or that it may not be safe to use anesthesia on your dog at all. This will also allow your vet to begin treatment for something you may have never known about until it was too late.
Dental Anesthesia
Once lab results have cleared your dog for the anesthesia to perform the dental cleaning, veterinary technicians will likely place an intravenous catheter to deliver drugs and fluids to your dog during the procedure. A “pre-medication” may be given to bring on some relaxation and pain relief before the procedure begins.
When your dog’s dental is about to begin, an anesthetic drug will be injected, causing your dog to fall asleep quickly. Next, a breathing tube is placed through your dog’s mouth into the trachea to ensure an open airway during the procedure and to prevent liquids and bacteria in the mouth from entering the airway.
During the procedure, your dog’s anesthesia level will be maintained and adjusted by veterinary technicians as well as the veterinarian. In addition, all vital signs will be closely monitored to ensure that your dog is not at risk of complications, but that he is also not awake or feeling the procedure.
The Professional Canine Dental Cleaning in Idaho Falls
Veterinary technicians typically perform the dental prophylaxis or periodontal treatment (much like a dental hygienist will clean your teeth by beginning the procedure with x-rays. This allows the veterinarian to assess the health of the tooth roots, not just the visible portion of the mouth.
After scaling is complete, the technician will use a periodontal probe to look for signs of periodontal disease and any other abnormalities then review the x-rays and visually examine the mouth. If there are no extractions or special treatments needed, the technician will go on to polish the teeth with a rubber tipped rotary polishing tool and paste.
If you are noticing signs of oral issues with your pet, show him or her some love today! Contact our office now to schedule a professional canine dental cleaning in Idaho Falls. Your pet will thank you for it!
