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Fidan Veteriner Kliniği — Fidan Veterinary Clinic LogoFidan Veterinary ClinicGebze Veterinary Clinic

Dentistry and Oral Health

Oral and Dental Health in Cats and Dogs: Periodontal Staging and Treatment

Medically reviewed by: Adem Fidan, DVM — Chief Veterinarian, Fidan Veterinary Clinic

At Fidan Veterinary Clinic, periodontal disease is staged through a full oral examination under anaesthesia, ultrasonic scaling and dental radiography where indicated. Probing depths are recorded after scaling and polishing, and the decision to extract, maintain or refer is based on the stage. Owners receive a written home-care plan stating brushing frequency and the recheck interval.

Fidan Veterinary Clinic — Dentistry and Oral Health department

Why Scaling Is Performed Under Anaesthesia

At Fidan Veterinary Clinic in Gebze (serving Darıca, Çayırova and Kocaeli), dental care targets calculus beneath the gum line. On an awake animal only the visible surface can be scraped, leaving subgingival plaque untouched, so routine cleaning is performed under short general anaesthesia together with probing and dental radiography.

Anaesthesia allows a complete intraoral assessment, revealing fractures, resorptive lesions, fistulas or masses that cannot be detected on a brief conscious examination. A pre-anaesthetic blood panel and weight-based protocol keep the procedure safe.

  • Stage I – II: subgingival cleaning, polishing and preventive care
  • Stage III: closed curettage, extraction where required and suturing
  • Stage IV: advanced periodontal treatment or extraction planning

Home Care and Preventive Routine

Effectiveness depends on frequency: brushing at least three times a week, ideally daily, markedly reduces plaque accumulation. Dental chews support but never replace brushing. Bad breath, chewing on one side or increased salivation are early signals that warrant a check.

Related Clinical Procedures & Health Guides

Periodontal stage, clinical findings and treatment approach
StageClinical FindingRadiographic FindingTreatment Approach
Stage 0 – HealthyPink gingiva, no bleedingNo lossPreventive care and annual review
Stage I – GingivitisRedness at the gingival marginNo lossScaling, polishing, home brushing
Stage II – EarlyEarly gingival recessionBone loss up to 25%Curettage, review every 6 months
Stage III – ModerateIncreased pocket depth, bleedingBone loss 25 – 50%Closed curettage, selective extraction
Stage IV – AdvancedTooth mobility, painBone loss above 50%Extraction and tissue healing

Clinical Pathway

  1. A pre-anaesthetic blood panel and general health assessment are completed.
  2. Under anaesthesia, probing depths and a full oral examination are recorded.
  3. Ultrasonic scaling, subgingival cleaning and polishing are performed, with extraction where indicated.
  4. The home-care plan, brushing technique and recheck interval are explained to the owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is anaesthesia really necessary for dental cleaning?

Removing subgingival plaque, probing pockets and controlling pain cannot be done safely in a conscious animal. The procedure is therefore carried out under short general anaesthesia after pre-anaesthetic assessment.

Can I scrape the tartar off at home?

It is not recommended. Hard instruments score the enamel, which speeds up new plaque formation, and they do not address disease below the gum line. Home care should be limited to brushing and products recommended by the veterinarian.

How do I brush a cat’s teeth?

Start slowly with a finger brush and cat-specific toothpaste, first letting the cat taste the paste on the gum and lip line. Aim for at least three sessions a week and always finish with a reward.

The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace a physical examination.