What is involved in a professional dental cleaning?

Before anesthesia, your pet will be examined by a veterinarian to assess their health and possible risks of undergoing anesthesia. Also, as part of this assessment, pre-anesthetic blood work would be performed to gauge how the body organs are functioning, and their ability to process anesthesia.  Once the patient has been approved for anesthesia, they are admitted for surgery.
          

An area of the patient’s leg will be shaved for later placement of an intravenous catheter.  Then, a numbing gel is applied to the shaved area to decrease discomfort during IV catheter placement.  The patient is then pre-medicated with an injection of a pain reliever and a sedative in order to allow pain relief and ease anxiety associated with surgery.  Then, an IV catheter is placed in the patient’s leg.  This is done to allow IV fluids to be given to the patient and also allow accurate and fast access if the veterinary medical team needs to administer emergency medications.  The IV fluids are given to hydrate the patient as well as maintain appropriate blood pressure during anesthesia. 
Next, the patient is given the gas anesthetic, which they are maintained on during the entire dental procedure.  Then, the licensed veterinary technician cleans all surfaces of the teeth (including below the gum line) using an ultrasonic scaler. This depth of cleaning should never be done on a conscious patient due to risk of injury to the patient and the technician.  This is why gas anesthesia is essential to a professional dental cleaning.
           

Once the teeth are all clean, they are polished and rinsed.  Then, the veterinarian performs an oral exam, including probing each individual tooth and examining for any abnormalities.  Once the exam is complete, and no further treatment is needed, the patient is recovered from anesthesia.  During recovery, the patient is monitored closely by the veterinary team.          
          

Before and after a professional dental cleaning, it is very important to implement a home-care regimen to maintain good oral health.  This may include tooth brushing, applying sealants, and giving treats or diets that aid in good oral health.