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Dental Cleaning
After the patient has been
evaluated and the history assessed, pre-anesthetic
medications are individually calculated and tailored for
each individual. Around 1/2 hour after the pre-anesthetic
medications are administered, an IV catheter is placed, and
fluids are administered as anesthesia is induced. IV fluids
greatly improve the safety of anesthesia, helping to
maintain blood pressure, kidney function, and prevent
post-operative dehydration. In addition, if there were a
problem, the IV line allows for rapid treatment. All
patients at the Animal Hospital of Huntington Beach, over 5
years old who are anesthetized, receive IV fluids.
As soon as anesthesia is induced, a breathing tube is placed
and the patient is started on gas to maintain the
anesthesia. Monitoring equipment, including
pulse oximetry
(oxygenation monitor) and blood pressure are then placed on
the patient, the eyes are lubricated to prevent damage, and
a warming water blanket is placed. Anesthetic monitoring is
constant during the procedure. We are always within a few
feet of every anesthetized patient. The patient's face and
eyes are always covered with a towel to prevent
contamination, and gauze is placed in the back of the mouth
to catch debris and water. All patients lay on and are
covered by their personal clean towels.
After the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, rinsed, polished,
and treated with fluoride, we examine every part of the
patient's mouth and any abnormalities are noted on the
dental chart. Any recommended treatment is explained to the
owner, along with the costs for that treatment. In most
cases, any required treatment can be performed at the same
time as the cleaning.
All patients are closely monitored as they wake up, with
most patients standing up within a few minutes of completing
the procedure. Pain management includes medications before,
during, and after the procedure, as well as local nerve
blocks as indicated.
At discharge, all instructions are written out and fully
explained. Typically several pictures of your pet's
procedure are taken and printed out for your reference. Most
patients are scheduled for a re-check exam as appropriate.
There is no charge for these re-check exams. At some point
in your pet's care, we also take the time to demonstrate
your home care options on your own pet. At any time before
or after your pet's care you are welcome to call or E-mail
any questions you might have.
Finally, we will advise you of when your pet should be
checked again, and of any required follow-up. We will then
call to remind you when any further care might be required.
Dental Radiographs
We now have a digital dental x-ray unit
to assist us in providing the best dental care for your pet.
Dental radiographs help the veterinarian
evaluate the health of the roots and jaw structure.
Before a dentistry cleaning
After a dentistry cleaning
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