FELINE AND CANINE GENERAL DENTAL PROPHYLAXIS

Periodontal disease is the most common disease affecting dogs and cats. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop gum disease by three years of age. Periodontal disease is caused by infection below the gum line; it has little to do with the calculus that is visible to you on the surface of the tooth. Untreated dental disease can lead to chronic infection of the liver, kidney, heart or lungs damaging these organs. 

General anesthesia is required for a proper examination of the oral cavity and a thorough cleaning. The adverse effect of bad teeth on the overall health of an animal greatly outweighs the risk of anesthesia.  “Anestheisa-Free Dentistry” also known as Non-Professional Dental Scaling is more like a “tooth grooming”, which can be dangerous to your pet. Ultrasonic scalers and sharp hand instruments must be used for a proper cleaning. If your pet moves while these tools are being used your pet could be injured. There is a real risk that a pet may injure themselves or staff members if they become frustrated or feel any pain or fear.  To keep them still long enough for a proper cleaning they must be anesthetized. The most critical part of the procedure is cleaning within the gingival pocket and that can NOT be done on an awake patient (the removal of the tartar on the visible tooth surfaces has little effect on the pet’s health). Protecting the airway from aspiration of the water from the ultrasonic cleaner and the bacteria from the tartar is a must and can ONLY be done by placing a endotracheal tube in an anesthetized patient. Once the teeth have been cleaned a polish needs to be applied to create a smooth surface to reduce the accumulation of tartar and protect the tooth surface.  Polishing needs to be achieved with a motorized polisher which can only be done when your pet is anesthetized. Visit the American Veterinary Dental College web site for their position regarding Companion Animal Dental Scaling without Anesthesia for more detailed information on the importance of using anesthesia while cleaning your pet's teeth or contact the Veterinary Nurses at the Coastside Veterinary Clinic.

Prophylactic treatment to keep the teeth clean and to prevent oral systemic disease is of great importance.   Each patient has individual needs but below is a general description of a basic dental cleaning.

After the patient has been evaluated and history assessed, pre-anesthetic medications are individually calculated and tailored for each individual. Blood work is completed in the clinic (if it has not already been done within the previous 30 days) for multiple reasons *. After the pre-anesthetic medications are administered, an IV catheter is placed, and fluids are administered as anesthesia is induced. IV fluids greatly improve the safety of anesthesia, helping to maintain blood pressure, kidney function, and prevent post-operative dehydration. In addition, if there is a problem, the IV line allows for rapid treatment.

As soon as anesthesia is induced, a breathing tube is placed and the patient is started on an inhalant anesthetic to maintain the anesthesia (Isoflurane). Monitoring equipment, including pulse oximetry (oxygenation monitor) and blood pressure are then placed on the patient, the eyes are lubricated to prevent damage, and a warming water blanket is placed. Anesthetic monitoring is constant during the procedure. Dr. Lawson is present and monitoring the pet during the procedure and a licensed veterinary technician performs the dental prophylaxis.

After the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, rinsed and polished, Dr. Lawson examines every part of the patient’s mouth and any abnormalities (gingival pocketing, fractured teeth, worn or discolored teeth, cavities, loose teeth etc.) are noted on the dental chart. If any radiographs or extractions are needed the owner is contacted and the additional procedure and costs are explained to the owner and the additional needs are completed.

All patients are closely monitored as they wake up. Pain management includes medications before, during, and after the procedure, as well as local anesthetics as indicated.

At discharge, all instructions are written out and fully explained. Most patients are scheduled for a no charge re-check exam as appropriate. At some point in your pet’s care, we also take the time to demonstrate home care options on your own pet. At any time before or after your pet’s care you are welcome to call or email any questions you might have. Finally, we will advise you of when your pet should be checked again, and of any required follow-up.

Home dental care is also essential to your pet's oral health. We recommend brushing your pet's teeth daily. Prescription diet T/D, CET Dental Chews and oral rinse is available to help prevent rapid build-up of dental plaque and tartar. For more information visit the Pet Library link from our main page typing in “Tooth brushing and Dental Prophylaxis in Cats and Dogs” into the topic box.   

Brushing your pet’s teeth on a daily basis is also important in maintaining your pets’ dental care; however it does not eliminate the need for professional cleanings under anesthesia. Below you will see an estimate of a general dental cleaning for your pet under general anesthesia, along with a brief description on why each item is an essential step in the dental cleaning process. Any additional needs (i.e. radiographs or tooth extraction etc) will be discussed at your pet’s exam and a more detailed estimate will be presented to you. Please contact our office to schedule your pet’s dental appointment.

1) To detect any hidden illness.  Healthy looking pets may be hiding signs of a disease. 2) Reduce risks and consequences.  If pre-anesthetic testing results are normal, we can proceed with confidence, if abnormal we can alter the anesthetic procedure and take the necessary precautions. 3) Protects your pet’s future health by providing a baseline for future reference. 4) Peace of mind-testing can reduce medical risk.