Dogs and cats can hide their discomfort and many owners are shocked to find that their pet has a fractured tooth, abscesses, receding gums, etc. and that they were not aware of it. Bacteria from these conditions can travel throughout the body and cause secondary problems.
Our veterinarians do dental examinations during annual exams and will let you know if a prophalactic cleaning is coming due. We can let you know if bloodwork will be necessary and if antibiotics are needed before the procedure. Pets are scheduled for the procedure and come in on an empty stomach for the sedation necessary.
After your pet is sedated an endotracheal tube is put in their trachea during the cleaning as you can see in the photographs. Some pets need additional medications for discomfort and/or nausea depending on extractions or growth removals.
Surgical monitoring is used to track your pet's heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level, and respiration during the procedure.
Sometimes dental radiographs are taken during this time. The portion of the tooth that is visible may look fine, but underneath the gum can be a whole different picture with possible fractures, abscesses, etc.
We use an ultrasonic dental machine to scale and polish the teeth. The polishing is an important final step so no minute ridges are left on the teeth that would accelerate the accumulation of more tartar.
After the procedure is finished, your pet continues to be under constant observation by our staff until they are thoroughly awake and alert. We keep them until the afternoon when they can then go home with you!
