Pet Dental
pet dental steps

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.

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Dr. Buscema is amazing!!!! She’s so professional and explained my pets treatment options very thoroughly. I would highly recommend!!!!!
Ally K.
5/25/2023
5 star rating
Dr Patel and staff were the kindness vet I have come across. I brought a dog in I was watching while family in Europe. Sadly... read more
Mandi H.
6/17/2023
They were so kind & caring. They are going to do everything in their power to get her better.
Colette G.
7/14/2021
Phenomenal clinic. They truly care and provide such comprehensive care. Dr. D’Monte and Dr. Tanaka literally saved my dog’s life.
Atul J.
5/25/2023

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Resources

Sanctuaries

Found an orphaned, injured or sick wild animal?

  • For The Birds Wildlife Rescue
  • 4335 E. McDonald Dr.
  • Phoenix, AZ. 85018
  • 602-995-5495

Pet Rescues

This is a list of rescues that we support and help.

Dog Parks

Several dog-friendly parks and restaurants in the area.

  • AZ 88
  • 7353 E Scottsdale Mall
  • Scottsdale, AZ, US 85251
  • Chaparral Park
  • 5401 N Hayden Rd
  • Scottsdale, AZ, US 85250
  • Horizon Dog Park
  • 15444 N. 100th St.
  • Scottsdale, AZ 85260
  • Vista del Camino Dog Park
  • 7700 E. Roosevelt St.
  • Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Payment Help

If you are in need of a payment plan or financial assistance with your pet’s medical care you may contact some of the following resources for assistance. We offer payments plans with no interest financing for 6 months through Care Credit.