Hearing that your pet needs a dental cleaning can bring up a lot of questions, especially about anesthesia and what the day actually involves.
A professional dental cleaning is one of the most effective ways to treat and prevent dental disease, but we understand it can feel like a big step. Knowing what to expect makes it much less intimidating.
At Wilson Road Vet Clinic, Dr. Yessa and our team perform dental cleanings regularly for Oshawa pets. Here’s a clear look at the process.
Why Anesthesia Is Necessary
Pet dental cleanings are done under general anesthesia, for good reason. It allows us to:
- Thoroughly clean below the gum line, where disease often hides
- Take dental X-rays to check root health
- Keep your pet calm, still, and pain-free throughout
- Safely address any teeth that need extraction
Anesthesia-free cleanings, sometimes offered elsewhere, only clean the visible tooth surface and can miss disease below the gumline.
Before the Cleaning
To keep your pet as safe as possible, we typically recommend:
- A pre-anesthetic exam
- Bloodwork to check organ function
- Fasting instructions before the procedure
- A discussion of any health concerns specific to your pet
What Happens During the Procedure
A typical dental cleaning includes:
- Anesthesia induction and continuous monitoring
- Full mouth dental X-rays
- Scaling to remove plaque and tartar, above and below the gumline
- Polishing to smooth the tooth surface
- Extraction of any severely diseased teeth, if needed
- Pain management as appropriate
Monitoring During Anesthesia
Your pet’s safety is closely watched throughout the procedure, including:
- Heart rate and rhythm
- Blood pressure
- Oxygen levels
- Body temperature
Recovery After the Cleaning
Most pets go home the same day. At home, expect:
- Some grogginess for the rest of the day
- A soft food recommendation for a short period, if extractions were done
- Any prescribed pain medication or antibiotics
- A follow-up if extractions require a recheck
How We Can Help
At Wilson Road Vet Clinic, we explain exactly what your pet’s mouth needs, and why, with transparent pricing before the procedure begins.
We’re happy to answer any anesthesia questions ahead of time, so you feel confident going into the appointment. For older pets, we factor this into a broader senior care plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anesthesia safe for my pet’s dental cleaning?
Yes, with pre-anesthetic screening and continuous monitoring, anesthesia is generally very safe, even for many senior pets.
Why can’t my pet’s teeth be cleaned without anesthesia?
Anesthesia-free cleanings only address the visible tooth surface and can miss disease below the gumline, where it often matters most.
How long does a pet dental cleaning take?
Most cleanings take about 45 minutes to an hour, though this varies based on your pet’s needs.
Will my pet need teeth removed?
Only if X-rays or the exam reveal teeth that are too diseased to save. We’ll always discuss this with you first.
How long is recovery after a dental cleaning?
Most pets are back to normal within a day, though extractions may require a short period of softer food.
How often does my pet need a dental cleaning?
This varies by pet, generally every one to two years, based on their individual dental health.
Will my pet be in pain after the procedure?
We use pain management as needed, especially if extractions were performed, to keep your pet comfortable.
How much does a pet dental cleaning cost in Oshawa?
Costs depend on your pet’s specific needs, including X-rays and any extractions. Call us at (905) 576-8885 for details.
Ready to Book a Dental Cleaning?
Dr. Yessa and the team at Wilson Road Vet Clinic are here to help.
Call (905) 576-8885
371 Wilson Road South, Oshawa, ON L1H 6C6
Book your pet’s appointment today.