Dental

Just like humans, our pets are vulnerable to gum disease and problems with their teeth. Alarmingly, it is estimated that up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats suffer from some form of dental disease by the age of three.

When there is a build up of bacteria, food particles and saliva on the teeth plaque is formed. Plaque sticks to the tooth surface above and below the gum line and if not removed will calcify into tartar (also known as calculus). This appears as a yellow-brown material on the teeth. Over time the bacterial infection in tartar causes irreversible changes to occur. These include the destruction of supportive tissues and bone, resulting in red gums, bad breath and loosening of teeth. This same bacterial infection is also a source of infection for the rest of the body (such as the kidney, liver and heart) and can make your pet seriously ill. Ultimately, dental disease results in many pets unnecessarily suffering tooth loss, gum infection and pain. It also has the potential to shorten your pet’s lifespan.

What Does a Dental Procedure Involve?

We understand that booking your pet in for a dental procedure can feel a little daunting. Knowing exactly what happens on the day can help put your mind at ease and ensure you feel confident about your pet’s care.

Before the Procedure
On the day of the procedure, your pet will be admitted to the clinic and given a full physical examination by one of our veterinarians. This ensures they are fit and healthy for anaesthesia. In some cases, we may recommend pre-anaesthetic blood testing to assess organ function and identify any underlying concerns.

Once admitted, your pet will be carefully prepared for their procedure. This includes placing an intravenous (IV) catheter, which allows us to administer fluids and medications safely throughout the day.

Anaesthesia and Monitoring
Dental procedures are performed under general anaesthesia. This is essential—not only to keep your pet comfortable and pain-free, but also to allow a thorough and safe examination of the entire mouth, including below the gumline.

During the procedure, your pet is closely monitored by a trained veterinary nurse. We continuously track vital signs such as heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and temperature to ensure their safety at all times.

Full Oral Examination
Once your pet is asleep, we perform a detailed oral examination. This allows us to assess each tooth, the gums, and the structures within the mouth. Many dental problems are hidden below the gumline, which is why this step is so important.

Scale and Clean
We use ultrasonic scaling equipment to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, both above and below the gumline. This is followed by polishing, which smooths the surface of the teeth and helps slow down future plaque build-up.

Extractions (If Required)
If any teeth are found to be significantly damaged, infected, or causing pain, extraction may be recommended. We will always discuss this with you prior to the procedure where possible. If unexpected findings arise, we will follow the consent plan discussed at admission.

Extractions are performed carefully with appropriate pain relief, and in some cases, sutures are placed to aid healing.

Recovery and Going Home
After the procedure, your pet is closely monitored as they wake from anaesthesia. Most pets go home the same day once they are awake and comfortable.

If extractions have been performed, we will provide pain relief and specific feeding instructions—usually a softer diet for several days. We will also guide you on how to care for your pet’s mouth during healing.

Following a professional dental clean, a plan needs to be implemented to minimise build up of tartar again, and the nature of this will depend on the severity of your pet’s dental disease. This may involve regular tooth brushing, feeding special dental chews or a special diet. It is recommended that all pets be examined 6 months after dental cleaning to determine the effectiveness of your dental care routine.

How can I minimise ongoing dental disease?

Long-term control and prevention of dental disease requires regular dental home care. The best way to begin this is to acclimatise your pet from a young age. Dental home care may include:

Brushing
Teeth Daily

Regular tooth brushing is the most effective way to maintain your pet’s dental health. Using a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste, aim to brush your dog or cat’s teeth daily, or as often as possible. Make it a positive experience with praise and rewards. Even a few times a week can make a big difference if daily brushing isn’t achievable.

Teeth Friendly Chews and Toys

Dental chews are a simple and effective way to help reduce plaque and tartar. Products such as Whimzees and Greenies are designed to mechanically clean teeth as your pet chews.

These can be a great addition to your pet’s routine, but should be used alongside brushing—not as a replacement.

Special
Dental Diets

Feed pets special dental diets. This can help reduce the accumulation of tartar.

As with most things in life, when it comes to dental disease, prevention is definitely better than cure. Regular and frequent attention to your pet's teeth may avoid the need for a professional dental clean under anaesthetic, and will also improve your pet's overall health.

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