Pet Dental assessment (initial examination of mouth, scale and polish)
For Dogs, Cats, Rabbits ยท Surgeries & treatments
A dental assessment is a proper examination of your petโs mouth under anaesthetic, with a scale and polish. Dental disease is the most common thing we find in adult pets, and it is painful long before most owners notice anything wrong.
About Dental assessment (initial examination of mouth, scale and polish) in pets
You cannot assess a mouth properly in a conscious animal. Pets will not let you examine the back teeth, the inside surfaces or below the gum line โ and that is exactly where the problems are. So this is done under general anaesthetic.
Why it matters
By three years old, most dogs and cats have some degree of dental disease. It hurts, but pets hide it well: they go on eating because they have to. The usual signs are bad breath, chewing on one side, dropping food, pawing at the mouth, or simply being quieter and grumpier than they used to be. Owners very often tell us afterwards that their pet has come back to life.
Left alone, dental disease causes abscesses, bone loss and tooth loss, and the ongoing infection puts a load on the heart, liver and kidneys.
What happens on the day
- Your pet comes in starved from the night before โ we will tell you exactly when to stop food. Rabbits and small pets are different and must not be starved.
- The vet examines them and checks they are well enough for anaesthetic.
- Under anaesthetic, every tooth is examined and charted, and we probe below the gum line.
- Tartar is removed with an ultrasonic scaler, above and below the gum.
- The teeth are polished smooth, which slows tartar coming back.
- We ring you if we find anything that needs more than a scale and polish.
If teeth need removing
We cannot always tell before your pet is asleep. Extractions, and any x-rays needed to assess the roots, are charged separately โ so we ring you during the procedure, tell you what we have found and what it will cost, and you decide. We will not go ahead with extra work without speaking to you.
What is included in the price
Before anything goes ahead you get a written estimate that says plainly, for each of the following, whether it is included in the quoted price or charged separately:
- The pre-operative examination on the day.
- A pre-anaesthetic blood test.
- Intravenous fluids during the procedure.
- Pain relief given during the procedure.
- Pain relief to take home afterwards.
- Post-operative check-up appointments.
- A protective collar or body suit to stop your pet interfering with the wound.
If anything unexpected comes up during the procedure, we ring you before going any further.
Afterwards
Most pets go home the same day, a bit woozy. Soft food for a few days if teeth have come out. The best way to delay the next one is daily brushing โ our nurses will show you how, and it is easier than it sounds if you build up slowly.
What it costs
The price for a dental assessment with a scale and polish is on our price list, shown separately for cats, dogs and rabbits. Extractions and dental x-rays are extra and quoted at the time. Some pet health plans include a discount on dental work.