Anesthesia-Free Dental Cleanings

Dental Cleaning FAQ’s:

1)How do you do it?

Your pets medical history is reviewed and assessed to see if they would be a good candidate for the procedure. If they are a candidate, I would then get them positioned for the cleaning. Small dogs are wrapped in a towel to prevent them from struggling or hurting themselves. Large dogs are gently placed on their sides or back whatever is more comfortable for them. Your pets stress levels are monitored and if I feel they are too high I will stop the dental procedure.

I use a sterile scaler to remove all the calculus from the tooth, this includes the buccal, lingual, interproximal and occlusal surfaces of each tooth. Curette scalers are used to remove plaque and calculus from below the gum line. I will chart my findings and if necessary we will refer you to your vet. After the scaling, I will polish the teeth and rinse with an antibacterial rinse. I will let the pet owner know any findings and if there are issues needing further attention as well as when you should return for the next cleaning.

*Every effort will be made to remove all of the tartar from your pet's teeth. However, they are awake and it may be impossible to remove all tartar. A non-anesthetic dental exam and cleaning may not be as thorough as an anesthetic dental exam, cleaning and x-rays, and is just one part of a complete dental plan for your pet.

2) Do you use sterile tools?

Yes, I sterilize all of my instruments and use a different sterile scaler on each pet.

3) How effective is this method?

Some circumstances where I may not be able to remove all calculus include deep pockets, root exposure and excessive wiggling of the pet. I do not pull teeth nor do I take x-rays, so I can never see what is going on under the gum line. If gum disease or the enamel is compromised an x-ray will be recommended. Smaller dogs may need more frequent x-rays due to crowding.

4) Is every dog a candidate?

No, pets with severe gingivitis, fractured teeth, abscesses, etc. would not be candidate.

5) What if my pet is not a candidate?

You will not be charged if I am unable to do the dental cleaning on your pet. Sometimes cleanings can be divided into 2 appts in which case your pet is brought back within the month to finish the cleaning. If it's over 2 months an additional cost would be added to finish the cleaning.

6) How often are cleanings recommended?

In some circumstances as in with smaller dogs, a maintenance program may be recommended. I offer 2, 3 or 4 month maintenance appts for a discounted price. Most larger breed dogs are ok with cleanings once or twice a year. It is still recommended to have x-rays on your pets, especially smaller breeds as they are more prone to infection due to crowding.

7) What does it cost?

The cost of the cleaning is $200 and is done on most Thursdays in our office. Call our office 586-884-0882 to schedule an appointment.