Dental Procedure

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 your pet’s file.
3. Tartar is removed with an ultrasonic scaler. This instrument is similar in design to those used in human dentistry.
4. A hand scaler is used to remove tartar from crevices. Additionally, each tooth is assessed and any signs of gingivitis are noted.
5. 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 providing the highest standard of care to ensure the safety and well being of your pet. Here in Lynnfield our exceptionally high quality of care includes:

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.