What to Expect for a Dental Procedure

If your pet is having a dental procedure, we will be taking full mouth radiographs before As part as our comprehensive oral exam. Most of dental pathology is hiding below the gum line, and with dental radiographs (x-rays) we can visualize the internal anatomy of the teeth and jaw. We also use these radiographs to evaluate apparent missing teeth, broken or abscessed teeth, exposed roots, bone loss in the jaw, oral tumors, and other periodontal disease. Radiographs are also used to confirm full extraction of any teeth that are removed, as well as for future comparison if your pet needs more dental work later in life. 

Once we have completed the radiographs, if there are any unforeseen changes to the treatment plan or estimate, we will give you a call and review what is recommended before we continue.  Just like when we go to the dentist, your pet’s teeth will be cleaned. A thorough cleaning of each tooth above and belowthe gum line is performed with both an ultrasonic scaler and hand scalers. A fluoride based pumice is applied in order to create a smooth and lustrous tooth surface as well as to strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity. An antibiotic injection will also be given, to combat the bacteria in the mouth and provide a head start if oral antibiotics are going to be sent home. 

When you pet’s procedure is complete and he/she is waking up from the anesthetic, we will call you with an update and determine a time for you to come down for the discharge appointment.

As per the veterinarian’s instructions, we will prepare medications, such as pain control, anti-inflammatory and antibiotics to send home with you. A homecare instruction sheet will also be made up and reviewed, along with a follow up treatment plan, with you during the discharge. The discharge appointment is a great opportunity to review the dental radiographs with you, as well as the dental chart, to go over any extractions or areas of concern. We will also go over any medications and specific instructions, as well as any side effects or symptoms to monitor for. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask us at any point.

For dentals with extractions we recommend a recheck appointment in 3-5 days, so that we can see how your pet is doing and to make sure the mouth is healing well. We may also recommend on-going dental care at home, such as brushing your pet’s teeth, and/or feeding a dental diet, such as Hills T/D or Royal Canin Dental. If you are interested, we have several types of pet toothbrushes available, as well as different toothpaste flavours.