How to: Pet Dental Cleaning Step-by-Step

Pet Dental Cleaning Steps Explained

1. Pre-Anesthesia 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.
2. Pre-Operative Antibiotic Injection – To prevent infection due to the bacteria that is released from the plaque during the scaling of the teeth.
3. Place IV-Catheter – Allows for rapid and direct distribution of medications and fluids during the dental procedure.
4. Pre-Operative Blood Evaluation – Evaluates the liver, kidneys, electrolytes, and blood counts to ensure anesthesia is catered to your pet’s medical conditions.
5. Sedation and Pain Injection – Decreases pre-operative anxiety and provides pain relief during and after the procedure. This also helps to relax your pet in preparation for anesthesia induction.
6. Anesthesia Induction – Injections are given to sedate and an endotracheal tube is placed to administer inhalant anesthesia and oxygen and to maintain respiration during the procedure.
7. Pulse Oximetry and 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 their temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and EKG.
8. IV-Fluid Therapy – Helps maintain hydration and blood pressure during the procedure.
9. Temperature Management System – The use of proper heating blankets, IV fluid warmers, socks and/or warming tables to keep your pet warm and comfortable while under anesthesia, as anesthesia can cause a drop in body temperature.
10. Ultrasonic Scaling – High powered instrument supplying high frequency vibrations, used to remove plaque, bacteria, and calculus from the teeth.
11. Sub-gingival Curettage – The removal of calculus and plaque found on the tooth underneath the gum line.
12. Probing for Pockets and Gingival Recession – Measures pocket depths around each tooth and checks for exposure of root surfaces to establish periodontitis and periodontal pockets, and determine if x-rays and extractions may be necessary.
13. Irrigate – Flushing of the mouth to remove loosened plaque and bacteria from dental surfaces.
14. Dental X-ray – After probing, an x-ray may be taken to determine whether extractions are necessary due to bone loss and tooth decay, and to identify open root canals and infected tooth roots.
15. Polish – To smooth the surface after the scaling of the teeth to decrease the adhesive ability of plaque in the future.
16. Fluoride – An anti-plaque treatment used to help strengthen and desensitize teeth and discourage the development of future plaque.
17. Recovery – A technician will monitor your pet after anesthesia until they are awake with the ability to stand up and has recovered swallowing reflexes.
18. 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 after.
19. Dental Charting – The doctor and technician will complete a detailed medical chart after the procedure, along with home care instructions. The Doctor will call you to arrange a pick-up time after your pet is awake from anesthesia.
20. Home Care and Dental Aftercare – The technician will go over any home care instructions and questions you may have, present you with before and after dental photos and we also send home a list of recommended preventative care techniques to help keep your pet’s teeth clean and plaque free in between cleanings.