Dental Cleaning

Prior to dental cleanings we will draw a small blood sample to check your pet’s white and red blood cell counts, kidney and liver function, as well as electrolytes. If there are any problems, they will be addressed prior to anesthesia.

We use Sevoflourane exclusively as our anesthetic agent. This is a gas anesthetic that is used in many human surgeries. Gas anesthesia provides a secured airway for your pet, using an endotracheal breathing tube. Endotracheal tubes are not used by all hospitals. There are several choices of gas anesthetic agents, Sevoflourane is considered to be the safest anesthetic money can buy.

Monitoring equipment, including pulse oximetry (oxygenation monitor) and blood pressure are then placed on the patient, the eyes are lubricated to prevent damage. Anesthetic monitoring is constant during the procedure. We are always within a few feet of every anesthetized patient. The patient’s face and eyes are always covered with a towel to prevent contamination, and gauze is placed in the back of the mouth to catch debris and water. All patients lay on and are covered by clean towels.

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. 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.

All patients are closely monitored as they wake up, with most patients standing up within a few minutes of completing the procedure. Pain management includes medications before, during, and after the procedure, as well as local nerve blocks as indicated.

At discharge, all instructions are written out and fully explained. Typically several pictures of your pet’s procedure are taken and printed out for your reference. At some point in your pet’s care, we also take the time to demonstrate your home care options on your own pet. At any time before or after your pet’s care you are welcome to call or E-mail any questions you might have.

Finally, we will advise you of when your pet should be checked again, and of any required follow-up. We will then call to remind you when any further care might be required.