La Crosse Veterinary Clinic

...a dedicated team of compassionate professionals working together to help you and your pet

2128 State Road 16

La Crosse WI 54601

(608)781-3466

lacrossevet.com

 

  Steps of the Dental Prophy  

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An I.V. catheter is placed

1. Once pre-anesthesia lab work is completed, a small area of fur on your pet’s leg is clipped and prepped for an I.V. catheter. After the catheter placement, your veterinarian will create an anesthetic plan for your pet.

IV anesthesia is administered

2. Pre-anesthetic and/or pain medications may be given to prepare you pet for anesthesia. Typically these medications just relax an animal, without actually sedating him/her. A short acting induction anesthesia is then administered through the I.V. catheter.

An endotracheal tube is placed

3. An endotracheal tube is placed in your pet’s trachea so gas anesthesia can be administered, and the airway is kept free of debris.

IV Fluids are administered

4. I.V. fluids may be administered throughout the dental procedure. The I.V. catheter also serves as a portal, should your pet require additional medications or anesthesia. Your pet is also kept warm via warmed pads or fluids.

A technician monitors the patient

5. Your pet is monitored by a technician throughout the entire process and monitoring devices may also be used to observe your pet’s vital signs.

The entire mouth is charted

6. A complete oral exam is performed in your pet’s mouth, noting any abnormalities in the teeth or gums. The shape of your pet’s mouth and its occlusion are also noted. The entire mouth and any significant irregularities are charted and recorded.

A before photo is taken

7. A “Before” dental photo is taken.

The gums are probed for pocket depth

8. The gums surrounding each tooth are probed and periodontal pocket depths are recorded and utilized by the veterinarian in making further dental recommendations.

Dental x-rays are taken

9. Dental X-rays are taken and reviewed by your pet’s veterinarian, in order to determine any possible course of treatment for abnormalities found.

Tartar deposits are removed

10. Large deposits of tartar are chipped off.

The teeth are scaled ultrasonically

11.The teeth are scaled ultrasonically; Ultrasonic vibrations loosen tartar without harming the teeth.

The teeth are hand scaled

12. The teeth are hand scaled to remove any remaining small deposits, and the area under the gums is scaled and made smooth.

The teeth are polished

13. The teeth are polished to repair any microscopic defects in the enamel, leaving the surface smooth to inhibit future deposits.

The teeth are rinsed with antiseptic

14. The teeth are rinsed with an antiseptic fluid above and below the gum line to remove any debris and leave the mouth clean and fresh.

Fluoride foam is applied to the teeth

15. Fluoride foam is applied to the teeth to seal and protect enamel.

An after photo is taken

16. An “After” dental photo is taken so you can visualize the difference a professional cleaning makes.

A technician observes the patient

17. Your pet is removed from anesthesia and gradually returns to wakefulness under the watchful eyes of a technician.

The technician updates the client by phone

18. Once your pet regains consciousness, he/she is observed in the hospital for the next few hours. You will be called by your dental technician and updated on your pet’s status.

Custom discharge sheet

19. Your pet leaves with a customized discharge sheet containing photos and aftercare instructions, as well as recommendations for dental care you can perform at home to keep your pet healthy. If X-rays are taken, they may also be printed for your review. Medications for pain or infection will also be sent home if needed.

Happy dog...healthy smile!

20. Your pet goes home with a new smile! Congratulate yourself on realizing the importance of dental care for pets! A healthy mouth is a happy mouth, and the mouth is a mirror of the body.

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