Why is Pet Dental Care Important?
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in pets, affecting over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by the age of three. Painful, bleeding gums, loose or missing teeth, abscesses, and even organ damage can result from untreated dental disease. Since pets often hide their discomfort, regular dental exams are essential for maintaining their overall health.
After your pet eats, food particles become lodged between their teeth, attracting bacteria and forming a sticky plaque layer. If not removed promptly, plaque hardens into tartar, leading to gum inflammation and infection beneath the gumline. This process damages the supporting structures of the teeth, eventually resulting in painful tooth loss.
Staged Dental Procedures
The traditional approach to veterinary dental procedures involved a single unpredictable anesthetic session. However, our staged approach aligns more closely with human dentistry, offering safer, more predictable treatment timelines and cost estimates. This method reduces anesthesia risks by dividing the process into two shorter, more controlled stages. While some cases may only require one procedure, staging is particularly beneficial when disease is detected early, before permanent damage occurs.
Stage 1
- Full ultrasonic dental scaling and polishing
- Comprehensive oral exam to assess oral masses, misalignments, and airway obstructions
- Full-mouth radiographs (X-rays) to detect disease beneath the gumline
- Potentially performing simple extractions or biopsies for immediate pain relief
Stage 2
- Local nerve blocks for optimal pain management and reduced anesthesia risks
- Surgical and complex tooth extractions, when necessary
- Post-operative pain management, care instructions, and follow-up support
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Benefits of the Staged Approach
By dividing the procedure into two stages, we enhance safety and ensure better patient outcomes. Prolonged anesthesia carries risks, including low blood pressure and body temperature fluctuations. Studies indicate that complication rates rise significantly when anesthesia exceeds two hours. Staging reduces this risk, allowing pets to recover more smoothly and quickly.
Additionally, this approach provides cost predictability, as treatment estimates are more accurate. It also enables discussions about payment plans and, when necessary, referrals to a dental specialist for high-risk procedures. Since pre-anesthetic testing remains valid for up to 60 days, additional testing is usually unnecessary if the second stage is scheduled within this period.
From an operational perspective, staging allows for better scheduling and staff preparation, ensuring each pet receives the dedicated care they deserve without unexpected delays or rushed procedures.
The Role of Dental Radiographs
Dogs and cats cannot communicate their dental pain, making X-rays essential for diagnosing hidden issues. Since 50% of each tooth lies beneath the gumline, dental radiographs are the only way to detect problems such as root infections, abscesses, or bone loss. By age two, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some form of periodontal disease, making early diagnosis crucial.
Even if a tooth appears healthy on the surface, radiographs can reveal underlying problems. That’s why every dog and cat dental cleaning at Canyon Falls Veterinary Hospital includes full-mouth radiographs. Our veterinarians carefully evaluate these images to determine if further treatment is needed, ensuring comprehensive dental care for your pet.
Why We Do Not Recommend "Anesthesia-Free" Dental Cleaning
The American Veterinary Dental College does not support anesthesia-free dental cleanings. These procedures do not allow for thorough cleaning or inspection beneath the gumline—where most dental disease occurs—and can lead to injury for both the pet and the person performing the cleaning.
Schedule a Dental Consultation Today
Our team is here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your pet’s dental health. Contact Canyon Falls Veterinary Hospital today to schedule a consultation at (972) 559-9500 or a professional dental cleaning through our online forms.
