Annual Professional Dental Cleanings
Professional cleanings keep your pet healthier
There is really no such thing as a “typical or routine cleaning,” as most of the patients we care for are already a victim of periodontal disease. As a veterinary dentist, Dr. Winter has the expertise necessary to properly diagnose and treat all oral diseases if any concerns are noted during professional dental cleaning.
It is important that professional dental exams and cleaning for dogs and cats be done at least once a year and home care for your pet’s teeth (brushing) be done on a daily basis. Small dogs and cats need their first professional, preventive cleaning at 1 ½ to 2 years of age, and large dogs by age 3 to 3 ½.
At Midwest Animal Dental & Oral Surgery, we provide annual dental care based on the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) standards of excellence. A complete dental cleaning, or periodontal therapy, includes a full oral exam (visual and probing below the gum line), ultrasonic scaling and removal of tartar on all surfaces of the teeth above and below the gum line, polishing and rinsing of the teeth, and full mouth dental x-rays.
Without anesthesia, we cannot effectively protect your pet from inhaling pieces of tartar removed from the teeth or water from the ultrasonic scaler. Additionally, when scaling the tartar from the teeth while the patient is awake, there is a great risk of injuring the patient’s gum tissue when they suddenly move their head in response to the dental instruments. The restraint needed for this “cleaning” can also cause unnecessary stress to your pet.
If you are concerned about your pet’s oral health, it is best to have a veterinarian dental specialist evaluate the condition of his/her mouth. An oral exam can be very informative. Deciding to treat any abnormalities will play an important role in assuring the overall health of your pet.