What to Expect from a Professional Dental Cleaning at Bluebonnet Animal Hospital
Featuring the latest in anesthesia monitoring and safety
Dental care is one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of your pet’s health. At Bluebonnet Animal Hospital in Austin, we’re passionate about helping pets live longer, healthier lives with routine veterinary dental cleanings. Whether you have a dog or cat, regular dental maintenance can prevent serious conditions like periodontal disease, which can impact not only the mouth but also the heart, liver, and kidneys.
What Happens During a Dog or Cat Dental Cleaning?
A professional dental cleaning for your pet is a comprehensive and safe procedure performed under general anesthesia. This allows us to thoroughly assess every tooth and the gum line while keeping your pet comfortable and pain-free.
Pre-Anesthetic Screening for Safety
Before any dental procedure, we perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your pet’s liver and kidneys are functioning properly and can safely process anesthesia. We also conduct a full physical exam and, if needed, assess the heart and abdomen to ensure your pet is in good shape for the procedure.
Anesthesia Monitoring and Safety
We know anesthesia can be a concern for pet parents, which is why we use the latest in anesthesia monitoring and safety protocols. During every dental cleaning, your pet receives:
- IV fluids to support healthy blood pressure and circulation
- Continuous monitoring of heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, temperature, and more
- A dedicated technician monitoring your pet from start to finish
These precautions are part of our commitment to gold-standard care and ensure that your pet is safe throughout the entire procedure.
The Importance of Dental X-rays
Not all dental disease is visible to the naked eye. That’s why we perform full-mouth dental X-rays (also called radiographs) during your pet’s dental cleaning. X-rays allow us to evaluate the health of the teeth below the gumline, where over 60% of dental problems occur. This includes:
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Detecting tooth root infections or resorption
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Identifying bone loss from periodontal disease
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Finding fractured or dead teeth that may appear normal from the outside
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Locating retained roots, cysts, or hidden abscesses
These insights help us make informed treatment decisions, whether that’s extracting a painful tooth or monitoring an area of concern.
How Teeth Are Cleaned
Once under anesthesia, we begin with a full oral exam, using a dental probe to identify any areas of concern such as gum recession or periodontal pockets. We then perform full dental X-rays to view the health of the tooth above and below the gum-line. Next, we perform tooth scaling using ultrasonic and hand instruments to remove plaque and tartar both above and below the gumline—the area below the gums is especially critical, as it harbors bacteria that lead to periodontal disease.
After scaling, we polish the teeth to remove microscopic scratches and slow down future plaque buildup. In some cases, we may also apply a plaque-resistant sealer.
If extractions or advanced treatments are needed, we’ll discuss those with you during or immediately after the procedure.
Why At-Home Dental Care Isn’t Enough
While brushing your pet’s teeth at home is a great start, it doesn’t replace the need for professional veterinary dental cleanings. Tartar that builds up under the gumline can’t be removed without anesthesia—and leaving it untreated allows bacteria to damage the teeth, gums, and even internal organs.
Also, at-home tools like human toothpaste or dental scalers can actually harm your pet if used incorrectly. Instead, ask us for veterinary-recommended toothpaste and products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
When Should My Pet Get a Dental Cleaning?
If your pet has bad breath, visible tartar, red or bleeding gums, or is pawing at their mouth, it’s time for a dental exam. We typically recommend professional cleanings once a year, though some pets may need them more frequently depending on age, breed, and home care.
Ready to See Your Pet Smile Brighter?
At Bluebonnet Animal Hospital, we believe every pet deserves a healthy mouth and a happy life. Our experienced veterinary team uses the latest technology, gentle hands, and a whole lot of heart to provide safe, thorough dental care for your dogs and cats. From full-mouth X-rays to expert cleanings and advanced anesthesia monitoring, we take every step to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety.
Let’s work together to prevent dental disease before it starts—and keep those tails wagging and whiskers purring for years to come.
Call us today to schedule your pet’s dental consultation and take advantage of our February and August specials!
