Teeth Cleaning

Eight out of ten adult pets have periodontal disease which can result in infected gums, abscesses, or loose teeth. If untreated, tooth and gum disease may allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause damage to the valves of the heart. Most of this dog's teeth had to be extracted as the disease process had progressed to far.

Further complications of the liver, kidneys or bone marrow often evolve from dental neglect. At best tooth and gum disease causes discomfort so please call our receptionist to schedule an appointment to insure your special pet has healthy, pain free teeth.

As dental surgery requires general anaesthesia we strongly recommend that your pet has a preanaesthetic blood test. These tests are run in our in house laboratory on the morning of the denal procedure. We will look at the health of the blood cells and the vital organs such as the kidneys and the liver. You will be given the option to waive these tests when you sign the anaesthetic consent form when your pet is admitted for surgery.

It is also important that you prepare your pet by withholding all food from 8pm the night before and removing the water bowl at 7am on the day of the surgery.

Once yor pet is anaesthetised it's teeth will be cleaned with an ultrasonic scaler and polished with a fluoride paste. They will then be assessed for decay, loss of enamel and gum recession and any unhealthy teeth will be extracted. If teeth are removed your pet will be sent home with a course of antibiotics and pain relief to ensure a rapid recovery.

Most patients will go home between 4pm and 6pm but those needing several extractions or intravenous fluids may stay overnight. Please telephone the clinic after 2.30pm to check when to collect your pet.

Dental home care is important to maintain healthy teeth and gums. This may consist of teeth brushing, the use of the Hills t/d prescription food or various dental treats and chews such as Greenies