What a dental cleaning actually involves

Clients often ask why a pet dental costs more than their own cleaning. The short answer is that a pet dental is a surgical procedure. Here is what actually happens.

Drop-off is at 8:15. We run pre-anesthetic bloodwork to check liver and kidney function, place an IV catheter, and give a pre-medication so your pet is relaxed before anesthesia. Once under, a breathing tube protects the airway and delivers oxygen and gas anesthetic.

A veterinary assistant monitors heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen, and temperature the whole time. The doctor probes every tooth, takes dental X-rays, and scales above and below the gumline. Anything broken or abscessed gets extracted, and we call you first.

Teeth are polished, the mouth is rinsed, and your pet wakes up on a warm blanket with someone next to them. Most go home by mid-afternoon and eat dinner that night.