February is Pet Dental Month and we wanted to use this opportunity to share more about what you can expect when you bring your pet in for a dental cleaning at Animals of Eden!

Proper dental care is one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy and happy. A common problem in both dogs and cats, periodontal disease can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and infections, all of which affect the health of their whole body. An annual oral exam and teeth cleaning is the most effective way to prevent periodontal disease and help your pet to live a long and healthy life.

Here’s what you can expect when you bring your pet to the Animals of Eden Animal Hospital for complete dental cleaning and examination.

The Dental Examination & Cleaning Procedure

When you call to schedule your pet’s dental visit, you’ll be told what you need to do the night before the procedure to prepare them for the exam and cleaning. This will likely include fasting your pet beginning the evening before.

When you arrive at the office, your vet will fully brief you on everything that will be done. Then your pet will be given a complete physical exam to discover any underlying issues that might cause complications during the exam and cleaning. The vet will also take a blood sample for testing in the lab.

Then your pet will be put to sleep to keep them still and quiet during the procedure. All of their vital signs will be closely monitored by a technician. Your pet will be given fluids through an IV to maintain their blood pressure. A full set of X-rays will be taken to discover hidden cavities and decay or any other problems, and your vet will probe around the teeth and under the gum line looking for areas in need of attention. If any teeth are beyond repair, extractions are performed if necessary. Then your vet will thoroughly clean your pet’s teeth, excess plaque buildup will be scaled away, and their teeth will be polished to a shiny white appearance.

After The Procedure

Afterward, they’ll spend a couple of hours in recovery, and then they can go home. You can expect your pet to spend the whole day with us at the clinic. Your vet will review the results of the exam with you and discuss any further recommended treatment, and give you instructions for post-procedural care. If any extractions have been done, they’ll also prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to ensure a smooth recovery.

Schedule your pet’s dental exam today!

Your pet’s long-term health depends greatly on regular dental care. To schedule a dental examination and cleaning for your pet at the Animals of Eden Animal Hospital in Brevard, NC, just use our convenient online form. We look forward to seeing you!