COMPLETE DENTAL CLEANING

» Dentistry	» Periodontal Disease
» Dental Disease Stages	» Oral Surgery & Advanced Procedures
» Complete Dental Cleaning	» Treatments
» Home Dental Care (pdf)

Steps in a comprehensive oral exam and dental cleaning under anesthesia.

1. Charting pocket depth
   
   

   Once the pet has been anesthetized, and is totally relaxed, the thorough mouth exam begins.  Using a graduated blunt periodontal probe, we gently probe pocket depths between the tooth and the gingiva (gum tissue) on all four sides of each tooth.  A pocket depth up to 3mm in dogs and .5mm in cats is normal.   We make a note of any abnormalities

   at this time.

   
   
2. Comprehensive oral exam
   
   

   Thermal burn found during oral exam.

   At this time, we check all gum tissue, tongue, teeth, tonsils, lips and the roof of the mouth for anything out of the ordinary.  After this complete exam under anesthesia we create a treatment plan.  If desired, we contact you by phone and verify your wishes for treatment.
   
   
3. Radiographs
   
   Most of the mouth problems we deal with are invisible to the naked eye, but are easily diagnosed with x-rays.  For this reason, we strongly suggest all teeth be radiographed if gums are red or receded. 
   
   
4. Treatment plan
   
   

   After the DVM reviews the radiographs, we make a treatment plan, specifically whether restorative procedures, supportive care or extractions are needed. 

   
   
5. Cleaning
   
   Ultrasonic scaling cleans the part of the surface of the tooth you see and the tissue under the gum line.  Root planning (cleaning of the tooth root) and hand scaling are needed to clean the debris in deep pockets.
   
   
6. Rinsing and flushing
   
   Rinsing and flushing remove the particles of tartar and debris from under the gum tissue and from the mouth.
   
   
7. Polishing
   
   Polishing smoothes the tooth, therefore slowing down the re-attachment of plaque to the tooth surface.  If we delay this part of the process, we delay the tartar accumulation.
   
   
8. Sealing
   
   

   Oravet sealant is applied to all tooth surfaces.  This product creates an invisible barrier that prevents plaque and tartar from forming and delays bacteria from attaching to the teeth.  This product comes in a kit that you can use at home once a week. 
   
   

9. After the dental cleaning, we meet with you to talk about what you are willing and/or able to do to continue home dental care.  There are many options available for the different pets and their owners.
   

Before

After