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What is
a Dental Procedure?
A dental procedure is
comprehensive procedure performed under general anesthesia
that allows a complete evaluation and therapeutic treatment of your pet’s
teeth and gums. Typically the procedure involves probing,
scaling and polishing of the teeth. However, when there are instances
where dental disease has progressed, more extensive treatment is
performed. Once the veterinarian determines the condition of the pet’s
mouth and recommends the best course of treatment, the process is as
follows:
OWNERS
ARE ALWAYS KEPT INFORMED OF FINDINGS
· Scaling
and Probing
1. A periodontal
probe is used to check for pockets underneath the gum line and
document their depth.
2. In moderate and
severe dental cases, digital photographs are taken, reviewed, and
stored in pet’s file.
3. Tartar is removed
with an ultrasonic scaler. This instrument is similar in design to
those used in human dentistry. A hand scaler is used to remove tartar
from crevices. Additionally, each tooth is assessed and any signs of
gingivitis are noted.
4. Dental charting
is an important aid to monitor progress.
· X-Rays
If loose, cracked
teeth, or periodontal disease are found, x-rays are necessary to
determine if an infection is present. Lesions (painful, erosive holes
in the teeth) are more common in cats and x-rays are always necessary.
These x-rays allow the doctor to assess the condition
of the roots before extracting any teeth.
· Oral
Surgery/Extractions
If x-rays and/or
probing have uncovered a diseased tooth, the veterinarian
will determine if an extraction is the best course of action to keep
the periodontal disease under control and to spare your pet
unnecessary pain.
· Polishing,
Antibacterial Solution Application
Teeth are polished
to smooth out any scratches in the enamel where decay can set in.
Gums are washed with an
antibacterial solution to help delay tartar build-up, which prevents
future infections.
· Pro
V Seal Application (optional but highly recommended)
To help your pet’s
teeth stay plaque free, a protective barrier
sealant is applied
(Pro V Seal). Once applied, the product leaves a thin barrier on the
tooth surface that prevents plaque and bacteria from attaching to the
tooth. A home care kit is highly recommended for application only once
a week as a valuable preventative tool.
·Surgical
Procedures
1. Patients are
carefully monitored before, during, and after the procedure by the
surgical team.
2. All patients are
placed on a water circulating heating pad, and body temperature is
monitored by the surgical team during the procedure and during recovery.
3. Patients are
continuously monitored for cardiac rhythm, pulse, respirations, oxygen
saturation rate by both the surgical team and monitoring equipment.
4. Appropriate
medications will be dispensed as needed for the comfort
of your pet both during their stay and for home care. These medications
help hasten the healing process and aid in rapid recovery.
At the Animal Hospital of
Lynnfield we are committed to provide the highest standard of care to ensure the
safety and well being of your pet. While modern anesthesia is very safe, nothing
in life is without some risk. Therefore our doctors will recommend the
following:
1. Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork:
Prior to anesthesia
pre-anesthetic bloodwork is performed
to detect any abnormalities that might affect you pet. This data allows the
doctor to make the optimal choices for staging your pet’s anesthesia.
2. Anesthesia Intensive
Support:
The placement of an
intravenous catheter allows prompt delivery of medications as needed. This
process allows fluids to be administered to maintain blood pressure, hasten
recovery, and maintain well-being.
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