FAQ

Pets need anesthesia for dental cleanings because they do not sit perfectly still, and procedures like scaling and probing while they are awake can lead to injuries to their teeth and gums. Anesthesia ensures that the pet is completely still, allowing for a thorough and safe dental cleaning. Additionally, obtaining dental radiographs or a CT scan requires the pet to be asleep and motionless to get accurate and clear images. Scaling, particularly under the gumline, can be uncomfortable for pets, making anesthesia necessary to prevent distress and ensure the procedure is completed effectively. Furthermore, a full oral exam cannot be performed on an awake animal, increasing the likelihood of missing potential problems that could affect the pet’s overall health.

Ensuring your pet undergoes anesthesia in the safest way involves several crucial steps. A comprehensive physical exam and pre-surgical bloodwork are essential to assess your pet’s overall health and identify any underlying conditions that could pose risks during anesthesia. At Veterinary Dental Specialists of WI, our staff is highly trained in anesthesia protocols, providing the highest standard of care for your pet. Additionally, we collaborate with a board-certified anesthesiologist to tailor anesthesia plans specifically to your pet’s needs, further enhancing their safety.  There is always a small risk of complications with anesthesia, but by following your veterinarian’s guidance you can minimize risk and ensure a smooth recovery for your pet.

Pets can absolutely eat after dental extractions, although their diet may need to be adjusted temporarily to ensure comfort and proper healing. In most cases, we recommend that pets are given soft food or that their kibble is soaked in water to make it softer and easier to chew. After oral surgery, pets are sent home with pain medications, ensuring they remain comfortable and can eat without issues. At Veterinary Dental Specialists of WI, we will review these dietary recommendations and care instructions for your pet in depth after the surgery to ensure a smooth recovery and continued well-being.

After a pet undergoes a dental cleaning or oral surgery, they will need the remainder of the day to recover from anesthesia and will require additional monitoring during this time. Most oral surgery sites heal within 14 days, requiring at-home observation to ensure proper healing. Sutures, if present, will dissolve on their own within a month or so. During the recovery period, it is crucial to prevent pets from accessing toys or objects they might chew on to avoid disrupting the healing process. However, there are no exercise restrictions, so they can still enjoy walks and outdoor activities. At Veterinary Dental Specialists of WI, we offer a complimentary two-week progress exam to ensure everything has healed well and to lift any remaining restrictions. If you would like to learn more, visit our blog to learn more about Oral Surgery Recovery for Cats, as well as Oral Surgery Recovery for Dogs.

Selecting safe chew toys for dogs is essential to prevent dental injuries. While it’s impossible to review every toy on the market, there are general guidelines to follow. Safe toys should be flexible enough to bend or leave an imprint when you press a fingernail into them, or they should be designed to crumble. We advise against giving dogs any type of real bone, nylon bone, or bully stick. You should also discourage playing with sticks or rocks, which can easily cause dental damage. Tennis balls, although popular, are abrasive and can wear down a dog’s teeth over time. It’s always best to err on the side of caution when choosing chew toys, as dogs frequently crack teeth while chewing on inappropriate items. Prioritizing softer, more pliable toys can help protect your pet’s dental health.

It’s important to use toothpaste and dental products specifically designed for veterinary use, as human products can be harmful to pets. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is an organization that evaluates and approves dental products based on their safety and effectiveness. Products with the VOHC seal have undergone rigorous testing and meet high standards for reducing plaque and tartar.  You can visit the VOHC website at vohc.org.  If you’re unsure which products to use, ask your veterinarian for advice and recommendations to ensure you’re selecting the best options for your pet’s dental care.

Knowing if your pet needs dental extractions involves recognizing certain signs and seeking a professional evaluation. Bad breath, drooling, bleeding from the mouth, and trouble eating can all indicate potential dental issues, but a thorough assessment is necessary to determine the exact problem. Diagnostic imaging, such as dental radiographs and CT imaging, is essential to fully evaluate the tooth and the surrounding structures, providing a comprehensive view of the tooth’s health and longevity. Only through these detailed examinations can a veterinarian accurately decide whether an extraction is required to ensure your pet’s oral and overall health.

Brushing your pet’s teeth is an essential part of their oral care routine. Start by selecting pet-safe toothpaste, as human products are not appropriate for pets. Acclimate your pet to the process gradually, going at a pace that suits them. If you have a puppy or kitten, begin brushing early. However, it’s important to be gentle during the teething phase, as their mouths can be sore and you want to avoid creating a negative experience. If your pet has any kind of pain or bad teeth present, wait until the problem has been treated and has healed before resuming brushing. Remember, brushing will not remove existing tartar or plaque buildup; a professional cleaning is necessary for that. After a dental cleaning, resume brushing as soon as your veterinarian advises it to prevent further tartar and plaque accumulation.

Signs of oral pain in animals can manifest in various ways. Bleeding from the mouth, bad breath, excessive drooling, and pawing at the face or rubbing it on objects are common indicators of discomfort. A decreased appetite or reluctance to eat, trouble chewing, or a sudden preference for only eating soft foods can also signal oral pain. These behaviors suggest that your pet might be experiencing dental issues that require veterinary attention to diagnose and treat properly, ensuring their overall well-being and comfort.