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The Dental Cleaning Process
Step One: Blood Work A pre-anesthesia blood work panel is drawn and run to check internal organ values. With this information, we can determine tht it is safe to proceed with the anesthesia and dental procedure.
Step Two: Intravenous Catheter
A catheter is placed intravenously in the patient this allows access in case of an emergency during the dental procedure AND to administer anesthetic drugs safely.
Step Three: Physical Exam Dr. Birthright will do a complete physical exam to make sure the patient is healthy and able to tolerate the dental procedure and the anesthesia.
Step Four: Anesthesia
An injection of Torbugesic is given to pre-medicate. Twenty minutes later, the anesthetics are given (Ket/Val and Isoflurane). Then the patient is intubated by placing a tube in the patient's trachea to help the patient breathe easier and keep debris from being inhaled during the procedure.
Step Five: Pre-dental Exam
A dental exam is done to see if/where extractions are, health of gums and before pictures are taken.
Step Six: First Scaling
An ultrasonic scaler is used to break off plaque, tartar and calculus. The scaler uses water and ultrasonic vibrations to break loose and agitate the calculus.
Step Seven: Disclosing Solution
This is a pink solution that when applied to the teeth allows us to see any tartar that is missed. This will not stain your pet's teeth but only shows the remaining tartar.
Step Eight: Second Scaling
The ultrasonic scaler is used again to remove the disclosing solution and any remaining tartar and to scale the backsides of the teeth on the opposite side of the mouth.
Step Nine: Polishing
An electric prophy cup toothbrush is used with a fine grit prophy paste to polish the teeth and remove any other plaque that is not visible. It also buffs the outer surface of the teeth slightly.
Step Ten: Fluoride Treatment
A fluoride foam is applied to the teeth and allowed to sit on the teeth for 3-5 minutes to add strength to weakened enamel.
Step Eleven: Oravet
Oravet is applied to dry, clean teeth to add an invisible barrier between the teeth and the plaque. This will help to ensure a longer time between dental cleanings.
Step Twelve: Recovery
The patient is made comfortable and allowed to awaken from the anesthesia. A technician closely monitors the patient until the patient is extubated (breathing tube removed) and until the patient is fully awake. |
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