I have three girls, aged 6, 4 and 2. The two older have some teeth that are in rough shape - meaning they have some tartar stuck on there pretty good, and it's not the stuff you can just brush off. The youngest is doing well, and I can keep ontop of her teeth by brushing. I do brush their teeth regularly, but I am afraid I started to late for the older two and I am wondering if it is safe to have the build up removed at the veterinary hospital I work at.
 
I know it can be done, but I am worried about their safety and how they will handle the anesthetics. I have total confidence in the veterinary staff I work with (I would not be doing the procedure myself, but you can bet that I would watch!).
 
Another thing I know I should look into is the equipment they use... is there a chance, do you think, of us having dental equipment that may be too powerful for their little teeth/jaws? Recovery process? Is it worth putting them under? Is there going to be damage done?? A lot of this could be affected by not only *what* is done to them but *how* and *who* does it to them.
 
I will go in and ask them about it today when I go into work, but I would like the opinions of you folk who seem to be so knowledgeable about ferrets. I guess I am a little worried because the hospital I work at hardly sees ferrets, so it is not like I can't trust them but they simply don't have that experience. Maybe they can just gain that experience from my girls!
 
Any input is great. I will continue to do my part and research the internet and such.
 
Oh, I guess I should add that they are in great shape. OH! And my white ferret, Sage, has a cyst (the vet looked at already) and it seems to be getting bigger... I will post a picture of that as well as their teeth. Maybe you can give me some advice as to whether I should have this thing removed as well. It is on a bad spot, the top of her back leg.. ish and is starting to affect the way she walks.
 
Sorry if I am all over the place!! I will have to re-read this and edit later on when I have the time!!
 
Thanks so much!

I would think as long as you got bloodwork done beforehand a dental would be safe enough, not sure how neccessary though.  Will they eat raw?  Giving them some whole prey or bones to gnaw on would do the trick as well. 

I've tried the raw thing... I can't get any of them to touch meat either cooked or raw. The only thing I can get one of them to eat is fish, and that won't help I wouldn't think... and they don't get fish often at all. I am looking to try a raw diet for the future, perhaps. I have too many sources right now telling me a raw diet may not be the right thing even though so many people swear by it. For now, I stick with the kibble... trying to get as close to raw as we can with EVO.

How have you tried getting them to eat raw? I've found the best way to get them started is by giving them a mush that's 50% kibble and 50% raw meat. Then you can gradually reduce the amount of kibble until it's all raw. Once they accept that, make the mush thicker until they're eating small chunks. Then just make the chunks bigger until they start eating chopped up RMB's (raw meaty bones) by themselves.

As for getting the cleaning done, I would think that if you're confidant in the staff that's doing it, you might as well get it done. I personally have no experience with needing to do dental cleanings but it is going to be required that you get those teeth of theirs cleaned at least once every other year as long as you're feeding kibble.

Getting their teeth done is no big deal.  Honestly.  I know it's scary the first time, but as long as you have confidence inyour vet, I woudn't worry.  We've had our 6 and 8 year olds in for teeth cleaning, no problem! They come out all bouncy, and nice, white teeth.  We fed them soft forr for the next day, justbecause we thought theymay need it, but that was just us.
 
Don't worry about your ferrets not taking to raw.  It takes a lot of perseverence on your part, and sometimes it just doesn't work.  My ferrets personally like raw soupies made of commercial raw products - but that's besides the point.  Let's get back on topic - teeth cleaning....
 
What is great for teeth are N-Bones!  Honestly!  Those things are awesome.  The judges at the Chicago ferret show said that if brushing teeth is too difficult, then n-bones are a great alternative.

I had Angels teeth cleaned about a month ago. She was having issues with sore gums. Everything went great. She got soupies a couple of times a day in case her gums were still little sore. But she did fine.

  
Fuzzbutts Rule!
Thanks Wenmister for help with the banner! 

Wow! Thanks so so much for your replies! It really helps out with my decision... I think I am going to go for it, and schedule them in tomorrow when I go to work!! I'm sure intubation won't be necessary... that is something that worries me since I find the smaller the animal the greater the risks there are with intubation. Again, I will just have to ask them about the procedure and their game plan. It's great because we have a "new" tech and I think the experience will be great for her.
 
I feel ashamed their teeth are so bad. No where near rotting, but there's a lot of gunk!
 
Hopefully all goes well! And I will have to see about removing that cyst, I am positive it will go well and she will be much better off!
 
Thanks again, guys! I really appreciate the feedback.