Dental/CORE Procedure

Because it matters.

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Slide Placing IV Catheter We give each Pet an IV so that it is easy to give the pet fluids, anesthesia, or pain medications before, during, and after the procedure.

Slide Pre-surgical bloodwork and EKG For preventative measures, the technicians will also perform pre-surgical bloodwork and an EKG (electrocardiogram). Pre-surgical bloodwork typically consists of two different blood tests. The first test is called a Complete Blood Count (or CBC). This basic blood test shows us the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which can be helpful in diagnosing anemia (low red blood cells), systemic infections, and potential blood clotting deficiencies.

The second blood test is called a Chemistry, which will show the doctor how the kidneys and liver are working. They play a huge part in how the body metabolizes all of the sedative/anesthetic medications the animal will be given before and during surgery. Because of this, it is very important for us to know there are no kidney or liver issues before we put your pet under anesthesia, especially if they are older.

The next screening test that we can use is an electrocardiogram (also called an EKG or ECG), this is a test that records the electrical activity of their heart through small electrode patches attached to the skin on their legs. An electrocardiogram is used to reveal abnormalities of heart rate and electrical rhythm (arrhythmias) so we can simply adjust the anesthetic protocol which makes a huge difference for your pet’s recovery.

Slide Pre-surgical bloodwork and EKG For preventative measures, the technicians will also perform pre-surgical bloodwork and an EKG (electrocardiogram). Pre-surgical bloodwork typically consists of two different blood tests. The first test is called a Complete Blood Count (or CBC). This basic blood test shows us the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which can be helpful in diagnosing anemia (low red blood cells), systemic infections, and potential blood clotting deficiencies.

The second blood test is called a Chemistry, which will show the doctor how the kidneys and liver are working. They play a huge part in how the body metabolizes all of the sedative/anesthetic medications the animal will be given before and during surgery. Because of this, it is very important for us to know there are no kidney or liver issues before we put your pet under anesthesia, especially if they are older.

The next screening test that we can use is an electrocardiogram (also called an EKG or ECG), this is a test that records the electrical activity of their heart through small electrode patches attached to the skin on their legs. An electrocardiogram is used to reveal abnormalities of heart rate and electrical rhythm (arrhythmias) so we can simply adjust the anesthetic protocol which makes a huge difference for your pet’s recovery.

Slide Dental Radiographs Xrays are the foundation of the entire Dental Procedure, without using xrays as a reference, we are going into the procedure blindly. At a glance, all of the teeth could look healthy and clean but only with Xrays will the Doctor be able to tell that a tooth needs treatment or surgically removed. If an unhealthy tooth is left, who knows what havoc it could wreak later on in the pets life!

Slide Probing the gums Once the patient is anesthetized, he is then intubated with an oxygen tube, and hooked up to a heart monitor. The Certified Veterinary Technician (pictured is Tiffany) probes the gums with a tool to make sure there are no pockets in the gums. If there are pockets, they can be an indication of several problems including an abscesses. To prolong the life of the tooth, these pockets are packed with a medication to lessen the damage.

Slide Probing the gums Once the patient is anesthetized, he is then intubated with an oxygen tube, and hooked up to a heart monitor. The Certified Veterinary Technician (pictured is Tiffany) probes the gums with a tool to make sure there are no pockets in the gums. If there are pockets, they can be an indication of several problems including an abscesses. To prolong the life of the tooth, these pockets are packed with a medication to lessen the damage.

Slide Cleaning the teeth Cleaning the teeth is the next step. The process is very similar to the teeth cleaning for humans.

Slide Polishing Polishing is the next step once the teeth have been adequately cleaned. The Technician will use a rubber-tipped tool with paste on it to smooth the surface of the tooth. This helps protect the tooth and keep plaque from adhering to it in the future.

Slide Polishing Polishing is the next step once the teeth have been adequately cleaned. The Technician will use a rubber-tipped tool with paste on it to smooth the surface of the tooth. This helps protect the tooth and keep plaque from adhering to it in the future.

Slide Examine & Review The Final Step of the Procedure, Dr. Bill examines the dog’s teeth, reviews the x-rays with the Technician, and makes sure that there are no problem teeth to be surgically removed. If all is well, the patient is woken up from anesthesia to recover and monitored until their owner comes to pick them up.