A complete dental cleaning at Georgetown Animal Clinic includes the following treatments:

ORAL EXAM and CHARTING:  Prior to the dental prophylaxis, all teeth are charted for abnormalities and probed for gingival pockets and bone loss.  This copy is kept on file for future references.

SCALING:  The teeth are hand-scaled to remove areas of heavy tartar, and then ultrasonically-scaled to further remove plaque and tartar buildup.

ROOT PLANING:  A specialized instrument is used to remove tartar and bacterial endotoxins under the gum line in pocketed areas greater than 3 mm in depth.

SUBGINGIVAL CURETTAGE:  Specialized instruments are used to remove tartar and affected gingival epithelial cells below the gum line.

ORAL RINSE:  The mouth is rinsed with an antimicrobial solution.

POLISHING:  The teeth are polished with a fluoride paste to smooth tooth surfaces, decreasing rough areas where plaque accumulates.

FLUORIDE TREATMENT:  A fluoride gel is applied as a final preventative treatment.

ANTIBIOTICS:  Antibiotics are given prior to the dental cleaning and continued for seven to ten days, depending on the condition of the mouth.  These are "anaerobic" antibiotics, which specifically target the bacteria harboring in the mouth and below the gum line. 

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