Dog's Teeth Scaling: An Essential Procedure for Dental Health
Dog's Teeth Scaling: An Essential Procedure for Dental Health
Written by Silvia Capelli
September 7, 2023
As we all know, canine dental hygiene is very important and should never be neglected.
Keeping your furry friend's teeth clean is essential to prevent painful and dangerous oral diseases and to avoid costly early extractions.
However, it's important to be well-informed about this procedure: although it's quite safe and easy for an experienced vet to perform, it can still pose some risks, especially for older dogs.
In this article, we'll help you understand how it works and when to do it, and we'll answer all your doubts about teeth scaling in dogs.
What is teeth scaling in dogs?
Teeth scaling in dogs (also known as ultrasonic teeth cleaning) is a veterinary procedure that involves removing tartar and bacterial plaque from a dog's teeth.
Tartar is an unhealthy-looking yellowish, brown, or green formation that builds up on teeth due to the mineralization of dental plaque.
In short, it ensures a deep cleaning of the dog's teeth.
During scaling, the vet uses specialized tools to scrape off the accumulated tartar from the surface of the teeth and under the gums.
This canine teeth cleaning technique helps prevent the development of dental diseases, such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss, promoting good oral health in dogs.
Scaling is usually performed under general anesthesia by the vet, to ensure maximum safety for the dog during treatment.
How often should teeth scaling be done in dogs?
There is no single standard for every dog, as the timing of the first session and the frequency of subsequent ones can depend on the buildup of tartar on the dog's teeth.
Generally, the first teeth cleaning is done when the dog is around 3 years old, and then the vet will advise how often to perform teeth scaling.
Some vets prefer to perform teeth cleaning annually, others every 2 years.
The frequency can also vary based on factors such as the dog's age and overall health.
How is dog teeth scaling performed?
Dog teeth scaling is a procedure carried out by a veterinarian. It has become the most common dental cleaning treatment and is performed in a day hospital.
The veterinarian will proceed as follows to ensure that the dog can safely undergo this sedation with total anesthesia, and that the operation has an excellent result:
- Fasting: The animal is kept fasting from the evening before due to the anesthesia, generally for 8/12 hours before the operation. Water should also be withheld from midnight (but ask the vet).
- Preliminary examination: The veterinarian will perform a complete oral examination of the dog to assess the health of the teeth and gums.
A dental X-ray may also be necessary to evaluate any hidden problems, or a series of blood tests may be required.
- Anesthesia: To ensure maximum safety and allow for thorough cleaning, scaling is usually performed under general anesthesia.
This allows the veterinarian to work safely and without causing stress or discomfort to the dog.
- Tartar removal: Using specialized tools, the veterinarian will remove tartar and bacterial plaque from the dog's teeth. The most commonly used tools are:
Dental ultrasonics, which are instruments that use high-frequency vibrations to break up tartar and remove it from the teeth. A jet of water is then used to cool the ultrasonics and rinse away the debris.
Dental scrapers (or rasps) are tools with a sharp tip that the veterinarian uses to scrape and remove hard, stubborn tartar from the surface of the teeth.
Dental probes, which are thin, pointed tools that allow the vet to examine the gums, detect any gum pockets or lesions, and assess the health of the teeth.
Toothbrushes and dental swabs
This phase is crucial to eliminate deposits that can cause dental and gum problems.
- Teeth cleaning: After removing the tartar, the veterinarian will perform a deep cleaning of the teeth using specific tools and techniques.
This will help to remove any remaining residue and leave the dog's teeth clean and smooth.
- Evaluation and additional treatment: During scaling, the veterinarian might identify dental problems such as cavities, infections, or damaged teeth.
In such cases, additional treatments such as dental extractions or administering antibiotics to treat the infection may be necessary.
- Awakening and recovery in day hospital: Once the scaling is complete, the dog is awakened from anesthesia and carefully monitored during the recovery phase.
The veterinarian will provide instructions on post-operative care and how to maintain good oral hygiene in the dog.
How long does dog teeth scaling take?
Dog teeth scaling typically takes about an hour, not including the pre and post-operative periods.
Generally, the dog is put to sleep in the morning and remains in the clinic until awakening to be monitored by the veterinary team.
What are the risks of teeth scaling in dogs?
While teeth scaling is a largely safe and straightforward procedure, there are some risks that might occur in rare cases.
The major risks are actually associated with the dog's anesthesia, not so much with the teeth cleaning.
Here are some of the potential risks associated with dog teeth scaling:
Anesthesia: Since scaling is usually performed under general anesthesia, there are some risks associated with the anesthesia itself. Some dogs might have a negative reaction to anesthesia or might be at risk of anesthetic complications.
Injuries or Irritations: During scaling, there is a possibility of injuries or irritations to the gums, soft tissues, or the teeth themselves.
Infections: Scaling involves the manipulation of oral tissues and teeth. If sterilization procedures are not appropriately followed, there's a risk of infections.
Respiratory Problems: Due to anesthesia and the placement of endotracheal tubes for respiratory assistance during scaling, there might be a risk of respiratory issues.
Of course, an experienced veterinarian will know how to avoid these risks, which are rare in themselves, by identifying any risk factors and adopting necessary measures to ensure a safe and well-managed procedure.
What to do after dog teeth scaling?
After teeth cleaning, it's important to allow the dog a complete recovery:
Post-operative rest in a calm environment to recover from anesthesia.
Freely available water supply.
Adherence to meal instructions (soft food).
If recommended, use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications.
The dog should fully recover by the next day, perhaps with slight pain during chewing.
However, if general discomfort or other symptoms occur, it's best to inform the vet.
How much does dog teeth scaling cost?
The price of teeth cleaning with anesthesia is about 100-150 euros, depending on the clinic and other factors, such as the size of the dog or the general state of the teeth.
Additionally, there could be extra costs, like pre-operative diagnostic exams and any necessary tooth extractions, which could have a variable cost from 30 to 120 euros per tooth.
This cost can vary depending on the type of extraction and the potential need for sutures, or the type of procedure required for removal.
Since the definitive examination of the mouth often occurs following total anesthesia, it's better to ask the vet for an indicative cost estimate before performing teeth scaling on the dog, to avoid unpleasant surprises in the bill.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Teeth Scaling
Our readers have expressed some doubts about this dental cleaning procedure, and we have listed some of the frequently asked questions we receive.
Can I perform teeth scaling on an older dog?
Generally, teeth scaling can be done on an older dog, following an evaluation of the general health state (especially heart, kidneys, and lungs) and the condition of the mouth and teeth. It's more about assessing whether the older dog can tolerate anesthesia.
Is teeth scaling dangerous for an older dog?
Teeth scaling itself is not dangerous, but there are certain risks regarding anesthesia, which should always be evaluated with greater caution when administered to an older dog.
Generally, the dog undergoes all the necessary diagnostic tests, and with proper pre-anesthetic evaluation and careful monitoring during the procedure, risks can be excluded or minimized.
The veterinarian will adopt the necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the dog during anesthesia.
How to understand if the dog needs teeth scaling?
When a dog has problems with its teeth and oral cavity, it tends to show some specific symptoms:
Lack of sociability
Little desire to play
Tendency to isolate, preferably in the dark
Difficulty in chewing hard food
The dog does not eat despite showing appetite
The dog frequently opens and closes its mouth as if yawning
Bad breath
Bleeding gums
Black or loose teeth
This doesn't exclusively mean that teeth scaling is necessary, but probably that there's something wrong with the mouth and teeth.
Since everything is connected, the veterinarian might resolve any doubts, and possibly decide to perform teeth cleaning with anesthesia simultaneously with a more thorough examination and any necessary extractions.
Can I perform teeth scaling on a dog without anesthesia?
If you're asking whether it's possible, the answer is yes, technically it could be done, but if you want to know if it's advisable, the answer is no.
Teeth scaling without anesthesia may only be indicated for dogs with exceptional dental health, where tartar is limited and no other significant dental problems are present.
However, keep in mind that teeth cleaning without anesthesia can be less effective in deeply removing tartar and in the thorough cleaning of the oral cavity.
Also, the dog might feel very stressed and uncomfortable during the procedure without proper anesthesia, making the veterinarian's job difficult and potentially increasing the risk of injuries.
Personally, I don't see what the advantages are, considering that given the difficulty of the operation regarding keeping the dog calm and still, teeth scaling might not cost much less even without anesthesia.
But in any case, why make it suffer? Unless there's a problem that makes administering anesthesia inconvenient, it's better to opt for a safe and painless procedure.
Can I perform teeth scaling on a 13-year-old dog?
If the veterinarian allows it and following a series of diagnostic tests, the dog can undergo teeth scaling. But as I repeat, only the vet can tell you more about this.
Other articles that might interest you
Possible Risks of Anesthesia in Dogs: Are There Complications?
What is the Difference Between Sedation and Total Anesthesia in Dogs?
Total Anesthesia in Dogs: Risks and Post-Anesthesia Effects
Gas Anesthesia in Older Dogs: Risks, Effects, and Benefits
Author's Note
I invite all readers to share their experiences on this topic in the comments section.
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Disclaimer
The information reported on our site is of a general nature and in no way substitutes the opinion of the veterinarian or industry experts. For any doubts, always turn to the veterinarian.
