What to Expect When Your Dog Goes to the Dentist | Kenzie Shares Her Story

Man’s best friend can’t smile the way we humans do, but their teeth need regular care, just like ours.

That’s why many vets recommend annual oral exams and professional cleanings, known as dental scaling and polishing. Even X-rays are part of the procedure.

A Dog’s First Dental Visit

We took 5-year-old Kenzie to the vet for her first professional dental care visit, and she allowed us to share her experience.

The process involved several steps to ensure a thorough examination and cleaning.

1. Anesthesia

   Kenzie is a Great Pyrenees with a calm, sweet demeanor, but even she wouldn’t open wide and say, “Aaah,” as her human owners at the dentist. So her vet planned to administer anesthesia to keep her relaxed, cooperative and pain-free through the cleaning process.

   Dogs typically require anesthesia for their dental exams and cleanings. A vet will perform the cleaning or supervise a veterinarian technician while another technician monitors the anesthesia.

   The night before the appointment, Kenzie’s owners followed another of their vet’s recommendations by giving her medicine against motion sickness. Anesthesia can cause nausea and vomiting—just like with humans. For the same reason, Kenzie also had to fast the following morning; if you asked her, that was probably the worst part of the procedure.

   And finally, her owners signed a consent form for the vet to perform life-saving measures if something were to go wrong. That’s standard protocol, even though complications are rare.

2. Scaling

   Once Kenzie was under anesthesia, her vet used specialized dental instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. Scaling involves scraping off the accumulated plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, where dental problems often originate.

   Had Kenzie been awake during this step, the vet could have explained to her that dentists scale the teeth of their human patients pretty much the same way to remove buildup that can’t be eliminated with regular brushing and flossing. 

3. Cleaning and Polishing

   After scaling, the vet polished the teeth with a high-powered dental tool. This step helps to smooth the tooth surfaces, making it harder for plaque and tartar to accumulate in the future. Polishing also helps remove any remaining stains, leaving the teeth looking cleaner and brighter.

4. Inspection and Treatment

   With the cleaning and polishing complete, Kenzie’s vet inspected her teeth and gums for dental damage or other issues. He also took X-rays to evaluate the condition of her teeth below the gumline.

   Fortunately, Kenzie showed no signs of tooth decay, broken teeth or gum disease. No extractions or advanced dental care procedures were necessary.

   Do Dogs Get Root Canals, Fillings or Crowns?

   Restorative dental treatments for dogs are possible. But not all vets have the advanced training, expertise and specialized equipment or materials to perform fillings, root canals or crowns. In that case, they may refer you and your dog to a board-certified veterinary dentist or veterinary hospital.

5. Fluoride Treatments

   Kenzie showed no signs of weakened enamel or other dental vulnerabilities, so her vet didn’t think a fluoride treatment was necessary. But it can be an effective treatment to strengthen a dog’s teeth and provide additional protection against tooth decay.

   BTW, silver fluoride treatments have been proven an effective, pain-free method to treat cavities among children—no drilling necessary.

6. Post-Cleaning Care

   Once everything was done, Kenzie gradually woke up from her anesthesia. She was a bit lethargic for a day or two, but she’s the Queen of Naps anyway. Her teeth, though, wow: They were noticeably cleaner and whiter. All the stains were gone.

   

Her owners were ecstatic and resolved to prioritize Kenzie’s oral hygiene to keep her teeth and gums healthy and sparkling.

The vet recommended twice-weekly brushing with dog-safe toothpaste and a toothbrush. He also suggested they give her regular dental treats and chews that help scrape off bacteria and leftover food from her teeth. 

Kenzie’s next professional dental cleaning and exam should be scheduled in about 12 months.

What is the Cost of a Dental Cleaning for Dogs?

Having your dog’s teeth cleaned and polished can cost hundreds of dollars. Special treatments for gum disease or extractions run extra.

Kenzie’s pet insurance plan covered dental care for an additional premium, but benefits differ from company to company, so it’s a good idea to shop around.

What is the Cost of Dental Insurance for Humans?

Delta Dental of Arkansas does not offer dental insurance for pets, but we do have a variety of plans for individuals and families and small and medium-to-large companies. We offer competitive rates and benefits to suit your needs and budget. Check us out and be ready to smile.