Dental disease is as common in pets as in humans. The most common form of dental disease in humans is cavities. This is not the case in animals. The most common form of dental disease is tartar build-up. This causes irritation of the gums around the base of the teeth (gingivitis), resulting in exposure of the roots. Ultimately, this leads to infection, pain, and tooth loss. Proper cleaning of the teeth is necessary to minimize the effects of periodontal disease. This cleaning can be accomplished very efficiently with our NEW dental unit! Our new machine is similar to what your human dentist uses. One major difference between animal and human dental prophylactics is that they are done under anesthesia that allows for the most thorough cleaning possible on your pet. Although anesthesia always carries a degree of risk, our hospital insists on a pre-anesthetic blood panel, pre-dental antibiotic regimen, the safest modern anesthetics, and careful monitoring of all vital parameters of our patients to minimize the risk, even for older animals. At first glance, dentals may appear expensive, however, they are significantly less expensive than a similar human dental cleaning with anesthesia, scaling, polishing, and extraction. Dentals are done on an outpatient basis, allowing most pets to go home the same day.

The following will explain the four-step process.

Pre-dental:

• A complete physical exam is performed.
• Blood work to evaluate internal organ function and anesthetic risk.
• Oral antibiotics are prescribed and are to begin forty-eight hours prior to dental cleaning. This precaution greatly diminishes the risk of infection from oral bacteria during cleaning.

Pre-Dental service will include:

• Exam
• Antibiotics
• Blood work

These services are performed at least 2 days prior to the dental.

Dental

1. Dental evaluation
2. Gas inhalation anesthesia
3. Continual oxygen and heart rate monitoring with pulse oximeter
4. Ultrasonic scaling (Cleaning)
5. Polishing
6. Two extractions if needed
7. Pain management (the day of the dental)
8. Out patient day care.
9. Owner update with post dental progress report.
10. For animals six years and older, intravenous catheter and fluids.

Protection Options:

1. Fluoride Sealer: Desensitizes exposed dentin, strengthens tooth enamel, decreases the rate of plaque build-up, stimulates remineralization of the enamel.
2. Provey Seal: Reduces dental caries and lesions as well as tartar build-up. The sealant robs the bacteria of nutrients and air, thus they can't survive. Bacteria cause plaque, which becomes tartar.
3. Home Sealer Kit: Begin 30 days after the prophy to maintain protective covering on teeth. (Apply every 7 days)

Post Dental (6-8 weeks after dental):

• Dental exam, evaluation of pet's mouth for the reoccurrence of plaque and gum disease.
• Recommendations for continuing home dental care.