A veterinarian can often tell that your pet needs a dental cleaning through a combination of observations, physical exams, and sometimes diagnostic tools. Here are the main signs and steps they will use:

1. Visual Inspection: During a routine exam, the vet will look at your pet’s teeth and They will check for:
   1. Tartar and Plaque: Yellow or brown build-up on the
   2. Red or Inflamed Gums: Swollen or bleeding gums, often signs of gingivitis or gum disease.
   3. Broken or Missing Teeth: Which can indicate trauma or
   4. Discoloration: Dark spots on teeth may indicate decay or
      
      
2. Behavioral Signs: If your pet is showing signs like:
   1. Bad Breath (Halitosis): This is a common sign of dental
   2. Difficulty Eating or Drooling: A pet may struggle to eat, show reluctance to chew, or even drool excessively due to pain.
   3. Pawing at the Mouth or Face: This could be a sign of discomfort in the
   4. Change in Appetite or Eating Habits: Avoiding certain foods, especially hard foods, could indicate tooth pain.
      
      
3. Veterinary Scoring Systems: Vets may use a dental scoring chart to evaluate the severity of the dental disease, often categorizing it into stages (e.g., mild, moderate, or severe gingivitis) or categorized as a dental grade (1-4). This helps determine if cleaning is necessary and to what extent.

If a dental cleaning is recommended, it is performed under anesthesia, which allows the veterinarian to thoroughly clean below the gum line and assess any underlying issues more effectively.

 

Next Steps: Establish a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT)

COHAT is a comprehensive dental procedure performed by veterinarians to address a pet’s dental health needs. Essentially, it’s a full dental cleaning and assessment, and it involves several steps to ensure your pet’s mouth is healthy.

Here is what typically happens during a COHAT:

1. Pre-anesthesia Evaluation
   

   Before the procedure, the vet will assess your pet’s overall health, often through a physical exam and updated blood tests (within 2 months). This helps determine if the pet is a good anesthetic candidate.
   
   

2. Anesthesia

   COHAT is done under general anesthesia, where the pet will be monitored, and the veterinarian has IV access where medications and fluids can be We use a cuffed endotracheal tube in the tracheal to protect the airway during anesthesia. This ensures no liquid, bacteria, or debris will go down the trachea to affect the lungs. Anesthesia also allows the veterinarian to thoroughly clean your pet’s teeth, take dental X-rays, and examine the mouth including under the tongue and the back of the throat without causing stress or discomfort to the animal. Pets need to be very still for a thorough evaluation and cleaning.
   
   

3. Scaling and Polishing
   

   Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar from the teeth’s surfaces, both above and below the gum line. The veterinarian may use specialized hand instruments or an ultrasonic scaler. Polishing, after scaling, the teeth are polished to smooth out any rough spots that might attract more plaque and bacteria.

4. Dental Radiographs 

   Radiographs are taken of all of the teeth to check for hidden dental issues like infected roots, abscesses, or bone loss, which cannot be seen with the naked eye. This is a crucial part of COHAT because dental disease can often occur below the gum line. Remember, 50% or more of every tooth is under the gum line and radiographs are the only way to evaluate that portion of the teeth.
   
   

5. Evaluation and Treatment
   

   The veterinarian will assess the health of each tooth and gingiva, and may need to extract (remove) damaged or infected teeth. This sometimes requires oral surgery, as some teeth have multiple roots that need to be sectioned and removed separately. In these situations, there will often be sutures in the mouth to repair the gingiva after a surgical extraction of a tooth. Sometimes, additional treatments like periodontal therapy (to treat gum disease) or root canal therapy may be recommended if there are deeper issues.

6. Post-Care
   

   After the procedure, the veterinarian may provide aftercare instructions, which can include pain management, dietary recommendations, and advice on how to maintain your pet’s oral health moving This often includes regular brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings as needed.

 

Overall, a COHAT is thorough and ensures that any dental disease is caught early, even if hidden beneath the surface. It is not just about cleaning the teeth, but also about preventing or treating serious conditions that could affect your pet’s overall health. Have any questions or concerns or need pet dental care in Atlanta, GA? Contact us today!

 

 

 

 

Now That You Know All The Facts, Why Do a Dental On Your Pet?

 

• Preventing Dental Disease: Just like humans, pets can develop plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth Regular oral healthcare at home as well as regular dental cleanings help prevent these issues from becoming severe.
• Healthier Mouth, Healthier Body: Poor dental hygiene can lead to infections that can spread to other parts of the body, including the heart, liver, and By keeping your pet’s teeth clean, you are also helping maintain their overall health.
• Reducing Bad Breath: Dental cleanings can significantly reduce or eliminate bad breath (which can be a sign of dental disease). A clean mouth means fresher breath for your pet and a more pleasant experience for everyone!
• Pain Prevention: Dental disease can be painful for pets, often without noticeable They may have trouble eating or may be suffering silently. Regular checkups and cleanings help detect and prevent this pain.
• Longer, Healthier Life: Regular dental care is linked to a longer, healthier life. Studies have shown that routine dental care can extend a pet’s life by 2-3 By keeping your pet’s teeth in good condition, you are contributing to their overall longevity.