A thorough, more comprehensive oral examination can be performed when your pet is under general anesthesia. While your pet is asleep, digital dental radiographs can be obtained, and advanced imaging can be performed to evaluate the health of the bone and tooth root structures that are hidden below the gum line. A professional cleaning can be performed above and below the gum line, including all of the surfaces on the crowns of your pet’s teeth. After completion of a deep cleaning, a thorough tooth-by-tooth examination can be performed by probing, measuring, and charting each individual tooth and the oral soft tissues surrounding each tooth. Also, at this time, structures deeper or hidden within the mouth can be evaluated, such as the throat (pharynx), under the tongue, and the hard and soft palate. All of which are commonly guarded or hidden when your pet is conscious during an awake examination.

Anesthetized Oral Exams Allow for More Accurate Assessments

With the completed, comprehensive anesthetized oral examination, your veterinarian has a significantly more accurate assessment of your pet’s oral condition. This assessment may include finding problems initially missed, and sometimes even ruling out other problems that were suspected during your pet’s awake oral examination.

Schedule a Consultation with a Houston Vet Dentist

If you have questions or concerns regarding your pet’s oral health or have questions about general anesthesia protocols used for dental procedures, please call us to schedule a dental consultation today!

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (2/17/2025). Photo by Alexander Possingham on Unsplash