(5 Years and over)
Kenton Taylor, D.V.M.
pet, our practice recommends annual to bi-annual dental prophylaxis (cleaning) and
periodontal treatment. The frequency of this procedure would vary with each case,
and depend upon the involvement and presence of disease. If your pet has bad
breath, then gingival (gum) disease is most likely present. However, in most cases,
it is reversible and can usually be treated. The gingival in his/her mouth has a good
blood supply, which enables bacteria to easily enter the blood stream. Many
systemic diseases can occur from these circulating bacteria. For example: kidney
infection, hepatitis (liver infection), pancreatitis, bladder infection, and infections of
the heart valves. Gingival disease is not the only source of these problems, but
taking steps to prevent them is far easier than curing them. A dental prophylaxis
today can help save your pet from serious illnesses later in life, as well as contribute
to longevity.
The teeth are scaled using an Ultrasonic scaler, which removes plaque and calculus
(tartar) from the crown surface. To remove debris subgingivally (beneath the gum
line), hand instruments are used. In order to facilitate the removal of unwanted
bacteria and reduce infection, a mixture of chlorhexidine solution and water is used
during the entire cleaning process. The teeth will then be polished and rinsed to
result in a cleaner, healthier mouth, and ultimately lessen bad breath.
Given that your pet has reached the age of five years or greater, to establish and
continually monitor the underlying condition of his/her teeth, we also recommend
annual dental radiographs (x-rays). These films enable us to view the bone structure
and condition of the teeth below the gum line; something we are unable to see upon
physical oral examination. As the patient ages, and/or the level of periodontal
disease increases, so does the involvement of the teeth and bones. The treatment
given your pet based on the information gained from the radiographs will be more
complete, and inevitably prove beneficial.
In order to fully determine the condition of your pet’s mouth, and to perform these
procedures, your pet will need to be under general anesthesia. To act in his/her best
interest, we will perform preanesthetic blood work to assess proper organ function
and insure your pet’s optimum health status prior to administering anesthesia. The
necessary lab work (send out profiles, “in hospital” profiles, additional tests such as
thyroid testing, chest radiographs, etc.) is on a per case basis, and will be discussed
with you prior to being run.
Once we have completed these procedures, you will be sent home with after care
instructions and further information regarding the treatments we have administered
your pet.
Our practice recommends all of the treatments mentioned due to the adverse effects
to the health of your pet that inevitably come as a result of not having them done.
Pets generally do not exhibit, and cannot vocalize signs of discomfort or pain until
these symptoms are severe. Our goal is to minimize and/or prevent problems before
they reach this point.
Our staff is available to answer any questions and address your concerns regarding
your pet’s oral and overall health. Upon your request, an estimate of charges can be
compiled and presented prior to the administration of any proposed treatments.
