What are dental cleanings?
Dental cleanings start just like yours. An oral exam is performed, full-mouth radiographs are taken, teeth are scaled and polished, and we remove calculus from the tooth’s surface and under gum lines. We then probe the teeth to measure the pockets that exist under the gum lines. If teeth are very unhealthy, we remove them. There is often pain and risk of infection associated with diseased teeth. What we have heard from our clients is that pets seem brighter, eat better, and look happier after a dental cleaning with us!
What's involved with a dental cleaning?
Will my pet be stressed or in pain?
At Brook Farm, our medical team is trained in Free Fear practices. This means that we have additional training that allows us to prevent & alleviate fear, anxiety and stress in all of our patients. Regarding the dental procedures, our veterinarians use therapies that are tailored to individual patients – this ensures that they are low-stress and pain-free.
What are dental extractions?
Dental extractions are when we remove teeth during a dental cleaning procedure. Teeth need to be removed if the tooth is broken, if the inner part of the tooth called the pulp or dentin is exposed, if the tooth is mobile (wiggly), if the tooth is dead, or if we see evidence of infection. We always hope to take out as few teeth as possible, but after taking dental x-rays, we sometimes find some bad surprises lurking under the gum lines.
How long does a cleaning take?
If your pet doesn’t require extractions, the process takes under 1 hour. If we do need to perform extractions or your pet has dental disease, however, it will take longer. During the entire dental cleaning, we will keep you informed.
Will my pet be sedated?
Yes, your pet will be under full anesthesia. This protects your pet’s airways while our team uses sharp instruments and a steady flow of water in your pet’s mouth. If you have more questions about this, give us a call.
