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Cleaning
After the patient has been evaluated and the history assessed, pre-anesthetic medications are calculated and tailored for each individual. Around 20-30 minutes after the pre-anesthetic medications are administered, the patient is anesthetized. We strongly recommend an IV catheter be placed, and fluids be administered for all patients undergoing anesthetic procedures. IV fluids greatly improve the safety of anesthesia, helping to maintain blood pressure, kidney function, and prevent post-operative dehydration. In addition, the IV line allows for rapid treatment of medications if any problems were to develop under anesthesia.
As soon as anesthesia is induced, a breathing tube is placed and the patient is started on isoflurane gas to maintain the anesthesia. Monitoring equipment, including a pulse oximeter (measures oxygenation of the blood and heart rate) is then placed on the patient, the eyes are lubricated to prevent drying while under anesthesia, and a warm air blanket is placed over the patient to help maintain body temperature. Anesthetic monitoring is constant during the procedure--we truly feel the best and most important monitor is the technician, not the machine.
After the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, rinsed, polished, and treated with fluoride, we examine every part of the patient's mouth, and any abnormalities are noted on the dental chart. Gums are probed for any pocketing between the tooth and gum that could indicate periodontal disease or an infected tooth. Any recommended treatment is explained to the owner, along with the costs for that treatment. In most cases, any required treatment can be performed at the same time as the cleaning.
For any questionable teeth, we have digital dental radiography--yes, we can take X-rays of their teeth just like you have done when you visit the dentist! This wonderful diagnostic tool helps us catch any 'under the gum' problems, such as resorptive lesions(FORLs) in cats and infected tooth roots. It is also a necessary tool when performing root canals.
All patients are closely monitored as they wake up, with most patients standing within a few minutes of completing the procedure. Pain management includes medications before and after the procedure, as well as local nerve blocks as indicated.
At discharge, all instructions are typed out and fully explained. Any radiographs taken of your pet's teeth are saved in our database, and a CD of the radiographs are available upon request. We always offer a no-charge recheck examination 2 weeks post-dental, especially if any teeth are extracted, to ensure the gums are healing well, and to answer any questions you have about oral health care for your pet. We will also advise you of when your pet should be checked again. You'll receive a reminder call from our office when that time approaches.
Animal Dental Care
We now offer a wonderful service: non-anesthetic dental cleaning. This service is offered once monthly--a thoroughly trained Animal Dental Care technician uses an ultrasonic scaler and polisher to clean both the inside and outside surfaces of the teeth, all without anesthesia. Another benefit is that the procedure usually only takes 20-30 minutes, so you can wait while the cleaning is done.
While this is a great service, we want to make clear that this service is NOT for dogs or cats with moderate to severe tartar, periodontal disease, broken teeth or gum disease. It is not meant to take the place of anesthetic dental cleaning, evaluation and dental radiographs. It is meant to be used as a prophylactic procedure for dogs and cats with mild tartar, to help keep them from developing severe dental issues.
Ask us if Animal Denatl Care is right for your pet.
Click here to view a brochure about Animal Dental Care.
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