การรักษา7 connections · 5 sources
Dental Prophylaxis
Dental prophylaxis is a professional dental cleaning performed by a veterinarian under general anesthesia. It is the gold standard for treating and preventing periodontal disease.
Key Facts
- Must be performed under general anesthesia for safety and thoroughness
- Non-anesthetic dental cleanings only remove surface tartar and miss subgingival disease
- 12-step process: exam, oral exam under anesthesia, calculus removal, subgingival scaling, polishing, irrigation, fluoride application, X-rays, charting, therapy, home care instructions, follow-up
- Dental X-rays are essential; more than half of each tooth is hidden below the gumline
- Frequency depends on breed, age, and home care: small breeds 1-2x yearly, large breeds every 18-24 months
- Daily brushing with pet-specific toothpaste is the best prevention between cleanings
- VOHC-approved products (treats, diets, water additives) supplement but do not replace brushing
- Never use human toothpaste (toxic detergents)
- Species: dogs and cats