Title: Dental Cleaning for Cats: Procedures, Prices, and Your Cat's Experience
The Importance of Dental Health for Cats: Preventing Periodontal Disease
An estimated 50-90% of cats over the age of four exhibit some degree of dental disease (1). Neglecting dental care for pets can lead to a myriad of oral issues, as well as systemic health problems.
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is not only painful but can cause bacteria from the mouth to enter the bloodstream. This can result in chronic inflammation and expose the body's organs to potentially harmful bacteria.
Dental disease worsens over time and is more prevalent in older cats. Establishing a home dental care routine for your cat from a young age and scheduling regular dental cleanings at the vet are essential for maintaining good oral health.
Signs you should schedule a cat dental cleaning include bad breath (halitosis), visible tartar buildup or red gums, drooling, bleeding from the mouth, pawing at the face, facial swelling or nasal discharge, changes in appetite, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and behavior changes such as hiding, irritability, or aggression.
Despite these symptoms, cats often hide signs of pain, relying on their instinct to eat and survive. As such, regular oral checkups are crucial, even if your cat appears to be eating well.
The cat dental cleaning procedure involves a physical exam, general anesthesia, IV catheter, dental radiographs (X-rays), dental scaling and polishing, tooth extractions, additional X-rays, and recovery.
During the physical exam, the vet checks your cat's mouth for signs of infection or abnormalities. The use of general anesthesia allows for safe placement of a tube in the windpipe, protecting the airway during the cleaning, and for the vet to work effectively without causing discomfort.
Dental X-rays help detect any issues beneath the gum line that may not be visible, such as resorptive lesions, tooth decay, bone loss, oral cysts, and retained baby teeth. These X-rays aid the veterinarian in determining if a tooth needs to be extracted.
During the cleaning process, forceps are used to remove large chunks of tartar, while hand-scaler tools, ultrasonic scalers, and metal curettes clean smaller particles and beneath the gum line. After cleaning, the teeth are rinsed, polished, and an anti-plaque product may be applied.
Tooth extractions may be necessary if a tooth is severely damaged or infected, and the vet will inject a topical anesthetic, like lidocaine, around the tooth to numb the area and control pain.
The cost of veterinary dental services for cats ranges from $300 to $750, depending on location, vet practices, and dental and overall cat health. Pet insurance may cover routine and preventive dental care, and discounts may be available during Pet Dental Health Month in February.
Following the dental procedure, monitor your cat closely for signs of nausea or constipation, and follow the vet's instructions for pain medication, oral antibiotics, and dietary changes if necessary. Regular dental care at home, consisting of tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste and professional cleanings, is the best way to keep your cat's teeth healthy and reduce oral pain.
References:1. Cornell Feline Health Center . Feline Dental Disease. Retrieved from: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-dental-disease2. Verstraete FJ, Kass PH, Terpak CH. Diagnostic value of full-mouth radiography in cats. Am J Vet Res. 1998;59(6):692-695.
Seeking veterinary advice is crucial for maintaining your cat's dental health, especially when considering pet insurance as it often covers routine and preventive dental care. Science plays a significant role in understanding dental health for cats, as dental X-rays help detect issues beneath the gum line that may not be visible, aiding the veterinarian in making informed decisions regarding tooth extractions.
