Our pets can’t verbally communicate when their teeth ache, or when it hurts to chew. And you can’t usually tell that your dog has dental issues until it has gotten to a serious point.
If you ask your veterinarian if they recommend a dental cleaning, the answer will always be, “Yes.” Always.
Just like humans, pets can suffer from gingivitis, periodontal disease, abscessed teeth, or worse. That’s why it’s important to get regular annual dental exams.
At Intermountain Pet Hospital, your pets’ health is our number one priority. As part of every exam, your pet’s mouth will be examined for calculus (also known as tartar) build-up on the teeth, along the gum line, and even under the gum line. Our veterinarians will then consult with you and give specific recommendations for your pet’s individual needs. If there is tartar on the gum line with gingivitis, the veterinarian will likely talk to you about dental care, which might include a professional dental cleaning.
The Cost of a Professional Dental Cleaning
The cost of a dental cleaning, and what is included in that cleaning, varies tremendously from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars depending on the hospital, geographical location, and local economies of a city or town. At Intermountain Pet Hospital the cost for a dental cleaning is $299 for cats and $367 for dogs (as of the date of this blog post). This fee includes general anesthesia, IV fluids, a dedicated anesthetic nurse that monitors your pet from start to finish, full mouth dental radiographs, dental charting/recording, a full ultrasonic dental cleaning, and teeth polishing.
Why it’s Important to Have a Dedicated Anesthetic Nurse
A dedicated anesthetic nurse’s role is crucial. The nurse will carefully watch, record and monitor the anesthesia during your pet’s entire procedure. While monitoring, they can identify and resolve any problems during the procedure before it becomes a crisis. If dental problems are found (i.e., infected, abscessed, or fractured tooth) we will likely recommend fixing it at that time, in an attempt to prevent future anesthetic procedures. Not only will your pet come home with polished and clean teeth, but they will also receive a complimentary nail trim.
The Cost of Untreated Dental Disease
Just like humans, if regular dental cleanings are not performed, more severe problems can arise. Pets can get periodontal disease too. Dental problems such as gingivitis, bone loss, abscess; tooth pain and fractures are common sources of pain and infection in pets. If left untreated it could lead to even more severe systemic problems like damage to the liver, kidneys, heart, and increased risk of blood clots to the lungs, brain, and heart. Human literature shows that dental disease increases the risk of diabetes by tenfold. Although extensive research correlating dental disease and diabetes is lacking in the veterinary field, it is generally assumed that animals can experience the same health problems as humans too.
Are Dental Cleanings Worth It?
Yes. It is common knowledge that good preventive dental care in people helps prevent pain and infection in the mouth; thus preventing systemic health problems (i.e., diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, immune-mediated diseases, etc.) potentially costing thousands of dollars. Proper dental care and prevention not only saves money in the long run, but it also provides a better quality of life along the way. This is even more important for our four-legged friends who can’t speak for themselves.
At Intermountain Pet Hospital we strive to build “Happy Healthy Pets and Families.” Dental care is an essential part of this equation to avoid serious health problems with your pet. Let’s partner together to help you and your pet lead happier, healthier lives.
And just a tip, if you signed up for our rewards program, you can either save up your points and use them towards a future dental cleaning, or use the rewards you get from your current dental cleaning toward a day-camp visit, bath and brush spa service or your next appointment!
Schedule a pet dental exam today and experience the IPH difference!
