Questions About Dentals - Factsheet

Dentals are the single most common procedure we do at this practice, and a pet of any age can benefit, even the very old. There are several reasons for doing a dental, not least because it stops bad breath. Bad teeth hurt – and no pet should have to have this; and infections in the mouth travel to other organs in the body and can cause serious problems. A healthy mouth goes a long way towards a healthy body.

What happens during a dental?

Each tooth needs to be cleaned to remove the years of tartar and calculus (deposits) build-up. There are between 32 and 46 teeth in each mouth, and each has to be treated individually. It is a three-stage process: The tooth is ultrasonically scaled, then polished to deter future calculus, and finally a fluoride coat is applied to strengthen them against further attack.

What about teeth that are damaged or decaying?

We will fill teeth with minor defects or re-grind them to make them smooth. However if they are bad they will be extracted. We use air drills, just like human dentists, so that the procedure is not traumatic or painful, and we can remove the complete root properly.

How long does the dental take?

About 3/4 to 1 hour is normal; but a grossly infected mouth can take up to 2 hours. Add to this the time for the pre-med to work, and a period to monitor the patient afterwards, and we usually need the patient at the Practice for 2-3 hours in total.

Can it be done under a sedative?

Not really – sedatives don't stop pain, and we need to reach right inside the mouth, which would distress an animal even if he or she had been sedated.

What about the anaesthetic risk?

We use the same anaesthetic that is used on geriatric human patients. It is many times safer than traditional agents, and we always link our patients to a whole battery of monitors for peace of mind. Furthermore because infections in the mouth seriously jeopardise the health of the rest of the body, there is much more of a risk in not having a mouth cleaned than in the risk to health from having an anaesthetic.

Can't I just brush my pet's teeth?

Yes, provided they have a clean healthy mouth to start with. However the calculus is very firmly stuck to the tooth and brushing won't shift it at all. Brushing after the dental can work wonders, though whether your pet will let you is another matter!

But I worry about my pet not having any teeth!

Certainly having teeth is best, but having a tooth that is diseased or painful is worse than not having a tooth at all. We always find that our patients are happier and generally healthier afterwards without them. And it never seems to stop them eating hard and dried food either!

How much does it cost?

Typically, a properly done dental, using the special anaesthetic will cost about £180-£220 for a cat; and about £250-£280 for a dog, depending on whether extractions are needed. We will always give you a guide to the cost, particularly if we suspect a lot of work needs to be done.

So, how can I tell if my pet needs a dental?

Simply look for the tell-tale signs: bad breath, gulping food or pawing at the mouth. A smell from the mouth invariably means calculus has built up and infection will be present. Look at the very back teeth which are the most likely to have a problem. They are not always easy to see and you will need to pull the lips right back to check them. Look at the teeth for brown chalk-like calculus, and check the gums to see if they are an angry red colour (gingivitis).