Have you ever wondered what actually happens during a professional pet dental cleaning? You may have heard that routine cleanings are essential for your pet’s health, but the thought of putting your furry friend under anesthesia can feel a little intimidating.
At Orange City Family Animal Care, we understand your concerns and want to assure you that veterinary dental cleanings are safe, effective, and crucial for preventing serious health problems. In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process so you will know exactly what to expect before, during, and after your pet’s dental cleaning.
Why Do Pets Need Dental Cleanings?
Even if you brush your pet’s teeth at home, plaque and tartar still accumulate over time, especially below the gumline, where brushing can’t reach. A professional dental cleaning is necessary to:
- Remove hardened tartar and plaque buildup
- Prevent gum disease and tooth loss
- Detect hidden dental problems, such as infections or abscesses
- Improve your pet’s overall health by reducing bacteria that can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys
Regular cleanings with a veterinarian are one of the easiest ways to extend your pet’s lifespan and improve their quality of life.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During a Pet Dental Cleaning
Step 1: Exam & Bloodwork
Before the cleaning, our veterinary team will perform a thorough examination to make sure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia. We will check overall physical health, physical signs of existing dental disease, and bloodwork to assess organ function.
Why this is important: Anesthesia is necessary for a thorough cleaning, and we want to take every precaution in advance to make sure your pet is safe.
Step 2: Anesthesia & Monitoring
Many pet owners worry about anesthesia, but modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe, even for older pets. While your pet is under anesthesia, our team closely monitors:
- Heart rate & oxygen levels
- Blood pressure & breathing
- Body temperature
Step 3: Dental X-Rays
Just like in human dentistry, X-rays allow us to see below the gumline and detect hidden problems, such as tooth root infections, bone loss due to periodontal disease, and fractured or damaged teeth. Many dental problems aren’t visible to the naked eye, making X-rays an important part of a complete oral exam.
Step 4: Scaling & Polishing
Now comes the actual cleaning process!
- Scaling: We use ultrasonic tools to remove tartar and plaque from your pet’s teeth and below the gumline.
- Polishing: We smooth the surface of each tooth to prevent future plaque buildup.
Step 5: Tooth Extractions (If Necessary)
If we find severely damaged, infected, or loose teeth, they may need to be extracted to prevent pain and further complications. Don’t worry! Pets adapt quickly after extractions, and most feel better almost immediately after the source of pain is removed.
Step 6: Recovery & Post-Care Instructions
Once the cleaning is complete, we will wake your pet up from anesthesia and monitor them until they are more alert and stable. Some pets experience mild soreness if extractions were needed. We will provide detailed at-home care instructions, including when your pet can eat, drink, and resume normal activities.
How You Can Maintain Your Pet’s Dental Health Between Cleanings
While professional cleanings are necessary, you can help extend the time between visits by maintaining good oral hygiene at home.
- Brush your pet’s teeth at least 3 times per week
- Provide dental chews and toys to reduce plaque buildup
- Schedule annual dental exams to catch problems early
By combining routine dental cleanings at Orange City Family Animal Care with good at-home care, you can prevent painful dental disease and keep your pet happy and healthy.
A Clean Mouth Means A Healthier Pet
A professional pet dental cleaning is a critical part of your pet’s overall health care. By keeping their teeth clean, you’re helping to prevent pain, infections, and serious health complications.
Is your pet due for a dental cleaning? Schedule a consultation appointment at Orange City Family Animal Care in Orange City, IA today! Call us at (712) 707-2273 or request an appointment online.