How Long Does a Dog Dental Cleaning Take?
You likely make appointments with your dentist for a routine examination and teeth cleaning service every year. Did you know that your dog also benefits from professional dental services? They’re an essential yet often overlooked aspect of canine health, which contributes to their overall well-being.
If you’re a new pet owner or new to canine dental care, you might ask, “How long does a dog dental cleaning take?” Revel Vet’s veterinarians in Queen Creek provide top-tier dental services for pets. Consult our guide below to learn about dog teeth cleanings and what you can expect from these appointments.
Is Dog Dental Care Really Necessary?
About 80% of dogs develop oral disease by the time they turn three years old, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society. It’s one of the most common pet health issues.
Pet dental care is a crucial component of an animal’s overall health. Failing to attend to a dog’s oral hygiene can make them susceptible to serious conditions, such as periodontal or gum disease. Without proper treatment, periodontal disease can contribute to heart, kidney, and liver disease.
The best way to prevent this problem is to schedule regular cleanings, which remove plaque and tartar buildup. Leaving these deposits on your dog’s teeth and under their gumline increases the risk of harmful bacteria growing in their mouth and possibly spreading into their bloodstream.
Types of Professional Cleaning for Dogs
How long does a dog dental cleaning take? The timeframe depends on the kind of service the pet receives at the vet.
Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleaning
The shorter option is the non-anesthetic dental cleaning, which takes between 45 minutes and an hour to complete.
During the procedure, the vet will manually clean the dog’s teeth using hand tools. They will not use sedation, so the dog must remain calm and cooperative the entire time.
Anesthetic Dental Cleaning
Cleaning a dog’s teeth using anesthesia typically only takes 30 to 45 minutes. However, the entire appointment could be four to eight hours. The extended time is due to essential pre-cleaning preparations and post-procedure recovery.
The veterinarian will perform blood tests and a physical examination to ensure the dog’s health is good enough to handle general anesthesia. The sedation will allow the technician to provide comprehensive dental care using specialized tools without causing pain or discomfort to the animal. Anesthesia is usually necessary for nervous dogs, ultrasonic scaling, and secondary services, such as tooth extractions and X-rays.
What To Expect During Your Dog’s Dental Appointment
Now that you know the general answer to “How long does a dog dental cleaning take?” learn what you could expect before, during, and after the appointment.
Preliminary Appointment
Before you take your dog to the vet for dental services, you’ll have a preliminary appointment a few days prior. This appointment is for blood work and a general examination to assess the dog’s ability to handle the service. Once the results come back and the vet gives the okay, you can confirm your pet’s dental cleaning appointment.
The Night Before
The evening before the dental cleaning appointment, you’ll have to keep your pet from eating or drinking anything. If an animal vomits while under general anesthesia, it can create serious complications. Your dog should fast for at least 12 hours before the appointment.
The Morning of the Appointment
On the day of the teeth cleaning and oral checkup, you’ll drop off your pet at the vet clinic or hospital. While the cleaning itself only lasts for about 45 minutes or less, administering the anesthesia, setting up the monitoring equipment, and allowing the dog to recover from the sedation will add time to the appointment.
Anesthesia
Your pet will receive a calming medication ahead of the sedation to ensure a pain-free procedure. A vet technician will monitor their vitals through various machines.
Dental Examination
Before cleaning the dog’s teeth, the veterinarian will thoroughly examine the dog’s mouth, looking for tooth discoloration, cavities, gum disease, and other issues.
Dental Cleaning
The vet will start cleaning under the dog’s gumline. Dogs need anesthesia for this step. Then, they’ll move on to plaque and tartar removal, which leaves your dog’s smile beautiful and fresh.
When the cleaning is over, your dog will recover in the clinic for a few minutes. Then, they’ll be able to go home.
Turn to Revel Vet Today To Schedule Your Pet’s Next Dental Appointment in Queen Creek
How long does a dog dental cleaning take? The answer depends on several factors, including the pet’s oral condition and whether they receive anesthesia. The appointment could take anywhere from 45 minutes to eight hours.
At Revel Vet in Queen Creek, Arizona, you can get a comprehensive pet dental exam and teeth cleaning for your furry friend. In addition to animal dental services, our clinic offers pharmacy services, vaccinations, physical exams, and full-body digital X-rays.
Our mission is to help pets lead healthy, happy lives. For an appointment in Queen Creek, call Revel Vet at (480) 701-8609.
FAQs About Dog Dental Cleanings
Still need information about dental cleanings for your beloved dog? Review our answers to common questions below.
How Long Does It Take for Dogs To Recover From Teeth Cleanings With Anesthesia?
It can take a dog 24 to 48 hours to fully recover from teeth cleanings with anesthesia.
Do Dental Cleanings Cause Discomfort?
Dogs sometimes experience mild discomfort, inflammation, and irritation from plaque removal.
What’s the Best Way To Prepare My Dog for Teeth Cleaning?
The best way to prepare your dog for their teeth cleaning appointment is by taking them to the vet beforehand for blood work and a pre-procedure exam, which ensures they’re healthy enough for anesthesia. You should also prevent your pet from eating and drinking for at least 12 hours before the appointment to prevent them from vomiting while under general anesthesia.
How Long Does a Dog Dental Cleaning Take for a Complex Case?
Complex dental issues may require a veterinarian to spend four to eight hours completing a teeth cleaning service for a dog. That time includes pre-anesthesia monitoring, the actual cleaning, and recovery time.
