The morning of surgery:

•Please drop your pet off in the morning before 8:30am. 
•Please be sure to allow 20 minutes to admit your pet for surgery so that we may address any questions you may  have and have all the paperwork together. 
•Be sure to tell us about any concerns you may have about your pet before surgery. 
•Ask questions! We want to make sure you understand everything about your pet’s surgery. 


What to expect in a dental cleaning:
 

Pre-Dental Exam – Physical examination of the eyes, nose, ears, mouth, abdomen, legs, lymph nodes, skin, and coat, as well as listening to the heart, lungs, recording temperature and weight.

 

Place IV-Catheter & Fluid Therapy– Allows for rapid and direct distribution of medications and fluids during the dental procedure. Helps maintain hydration and blood pressure during dental cleaning so that anesthesia is easier of your pets internal organs.

 

Pre-anesthetic blood work – We will submit a blood panel to the lab ahead of time or perform it here at the hospital the day of surgery. This blood work evaluates the liver, kidneys, electrolytes, and blood counts to ensure anesthesia is catered to your pet’s medical conditions.

 

Pre-anesthesia injections & pain medications – Decreases pre-operative anxiety and pain during the procedure, and relaxes them in preparation for anesthesia induction.

 

Pulse Oximetry & Anesthesia Monitoring – Assists in monitoring the heart rate and oxygen saturation while under anesthesia. A technician trained in anesthesia will also be with your pet at all times to monitor the temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and EKG.

 

Temperature Management System – The use of heating pads, warming tables, blankets, and warm water bottles to keep your pet warm and comfortable while under anesthesia, as anesthesia can cause a drop in body temperature.

 

Ultrasonic Scaling – High powered instrument supplying high frequency vibrations, used to remove plaque, bacteria, and calculus from the teeth.

 

Sub-gingival Cutterage – The removal of calculus and plaque found on the tooth below the gum line.

 

Probing for Pockets & Gingival Recession – Measure pocket depths around a tooth and check for exposure of root surface to establish periodontitis and periodontal pockets, and determine if x-rays and extractions may be necessary.

 

Irrigate – Flushing of the mouth to remove loosened plaque and bacteria from dental surfaces.

 

Dental X-ray – X-rays will be taken to determine whether extractions are necessary due to bone loss and tooth decay, and to identify open root canals & infected tooth roots.

 

Polish – To smooth the surface after the scaling of the teeth to decrease the adhesive ability of plaque in the future.

 

Fluoride – An anti-plaque treatment used to help strengthen and desensitize teeth and discourage the development of future plaque.

 

Recovery – A technician will monitor your pet after anesthesia until they are awake and comfortable. The doctor and/or technician will call you and give you an update regarding your pet. They will also set up a time for discharge.

 

Remove Catheter – The IV catheter remains in place until your pet is ready to be discharged. A pressure bandage is placed to prevent bleeding, and is usually ready to be removed 15-20 minutes.

 

Home Care & Dental Aftercare – The technician will go over any home care instructions and questions you may have, and we also send home a list of recommended preventative care techniques to help keep your pet’s teeth clean and plaque free.

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