DENTAL CLEANING & CARE

• ULTRASONIC DENTAL CLEANING & POLISHING: This is the best method for thoroughly cleaning your pet's teeth. This type of cleaning is done while the animal is under a general anesthetic, as the noise of the ultrasonic scaler and the discomfort of cleaning the tooth surface that lies under the gum line can be overwhelming and frightening to the pet. This is the most effective cleaning process and the method of choice for animals with very heavy plaque and tartar, gingivitis or potential extractions.
  
  As with all of our anesthetic procedures, we take the best care of your pet, following our anesthetic protocol that includes a pre-anesthetic exam and bloodwork, careful monitoring, Reiki, pain relief and personal attention during recovery.
  
  
• ANESTHESIA-FREE HAND SCALING: For a limited number of pets, we offer Anesthesia-Free Hand Dental Scaling. Animals for whom this option is available have mild to moderate plaque and tartar, no gingivitis and no potential extractions. In addition, as our faces and fingers are very vulnerable during this procedure, we require an evaluation before scheduling an Anesthesia-Free Hand Scaling for your pet. During this brief office visit, we will determine whether your pet has the temperament necessary to tolerate being awake while being held still while someone scrapes their teeth with a sharp dental instrument.
  
  Hand-scaling with no anesthesia is not as thorough or effective as ultrasonic cleaning, and is not meant as a replacement for more complete routine dental prophylaxis and care. Anesthesia-free hand scaling can be a good alternative for elder animals who need some dental care but are not good anesthesia risks. For our safety and the safety of your pet, we reserve the right to determine which animals this procedure is most appropriate for.