How do they clean cats' teeth at the clinic? - briefly
Feline dental cleaning at a veterinary clinic is a meticulous process designed to ensure the oral health of cats. The procedure typically involves general anesthesia to keep the cat still and comfortable. The vet uses specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, followed by polishing to smooth the tooth surfaces. This helps prevent future buildup and maintains dental hygiene. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for preventing periodontal disease and other oral health issues in cats.
How do they clean cats' teeth at the clinic? - in detail
Cleaning a cat's teeth at a veterinary clinic is a meticulous process that involves several steps to ensure the health and comfort of the feline patient. This procedure, known as a dental prophylaxis, is crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing dental diseases.
The process begins with a thorough pre-anesthetic evaluation. The veterinarian will conduct a physical examination and may order blood tests to ensure the cat is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. This step is essential to minimize risks associated with the procedure. Once the cat is deemed fit, a pre-anesthetic sedative is administered to calm the animal and prepare it for anesthesia. General anesthesia is then induced to ensure the cat remains still and pain-free throughout the cleaning process.
With the cat under anesthesia, the veterinary team will place an endotracheal tube to administer oxygen and anesthetic gases, and to protect the airway from aspiration of debris. The cat's vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, are continuously monitored throughout the procedure.
The actual cleaning process involves several stages. First, the veterinarian or a trained veterinary technician will use a dental probe and explorer to examine the cat's teeth and gums for signs of disease, such as tartar, plaque, gingivitis, or periodontal disease. Dental radiographs (X-rays) may also be taken to assess the health of the teeth below the gum line.
Next, an ultrasonic scaler is used to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth. This device uses high-frequency vibrations to break up and remove mineralized deposits. The process is followed by scaling with hand instruments to ensure all surfaces are clean. After scaling, the teeth are polished using a special dental polisher and a fine-grained polishing paste. Polishing smooths the tooth surfaces, making it more difficult for plaque to adhere in the future.
In some cases, additional treatments may be necessary. If periodontal disease is present, the veterinarian may perform a root planing procedure to smooth the roots of the teeth and promote gum healing. In severe cases, tooth extraction may be required to remove diseased or damaged teeth.
Once the cleaning and any necessary treatments are complete, the cat is awakened from anesthesia and monitored closely as it recovers. Pain management medications may be administered to ensure the cat's comfort post-procedure. The veterinarian will provide the owner with detailed instructions for home care, including recommendations for dental hygiene products and techniques to maintain the cat's oral health between professional cleanings.
Regular dental cleanings are an essential part of preventive veterinary care. They help to prevent dental diseases that can lead to more serious health issues, including heart, liver, and kidney problems. Owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine the appropriate frequency of dental cleanings for their cat, based on the animal's age, breed, and overall health.