What Happens During a Veterinary Dental Surgery: A Behind-The-Scenes Look

What Happens During a Veterinary Dental Surgery: A Behind-The-Scenes Look

Proper dental care is vital to maintaining the overall health of our pets. In this behind-the-scenes look at veterinary dental surgery, you’ll better understand the importance of these procedures and the steps veterinary professionals take to ensure the safety and comfort of your precious pets. So, let’s dive in!

Pre-Veterinary Dental Surgery

Fasting the Pet Before a Dental Procedure

Preparation for pet dental surgery begins the night before the procedure by fasting your pet overnight. Though it may seem difficult to deny your furry friend their breakfast, fasting ensures they’ll be at a lower risk of regurgitating and aspirating stomach contents during anesthesia.

Admitting the Pet to the Veterinary Clinic

A nurse or La Pine vet will admit your pet to the veterinary clinic. They’ll weigh your pet and take a brief history to determine their general health and if any medications have been administered. Further investigations may be recommended before the procedure, especially with older pets with underlying health conditions.

Preparing for the Dental Procedure

Physical Examination and Pre-Medication

Before the procedure, a vet performs a physical examination to ensure the pet is fit for anesthesia. They’ll then calculate and administer a pre-medication, a combination of pain relief and a sedative that prepares your pet for the procedure.

Induction of Anesthesia and Placing an Endotracheal Tube

Once the pre-medication has taken effect, an IV cannula is placed in the pet’s vein to deliver the anesthetic induction drug. An endotracheal tube is inserted into the pet’s airway, allowing the administration of oxygen and anesthetic gas while keeping the airway clear during the procedure.

The Oral Examination and Charting

A comprehensive examination of your pet’s mouth and throat is conducted while they’re under anesthesia. Using a dental probe, the teeth are inspected for potential issues such as attachment loss between tooth and gum or enamel defects. All findings are recorded on a dental chart.

Tooth Scaling Procedure

Next, an ultrasonic scaler cleans the teeth by breaking up the hard, mineralized tartar. It’s essential to clean under the gum line as this area can harbor harmful bacteria. For your pet’s safety and comfort, it’s necessary to know that conscious dental cleanings are widely considered unethical by various veterinary organizations.

Dental Radiography in Veterinary Dentistry

Pet dental surgery often includes dental radiography to assess the tooth structure, especially the root within the jaw. Dogs and cats have different guidelines regarding radiographs; full-mouth radiographs are advised for cats, while only damaged or diseased teeth typically require radiographs in dogs. These images assist in determining whether tooth extractions are necessary.

Tooth Extraction Process

If tooth extraction is required, the vet will use a sharp elevator tool to break down the periodontal ligament holding the tooth in place. Multi-rooted teeth require additional steps, such as lifting the gum, cutting the tooth into sections, and removing individual roots. After extraction, the gum is stitched back into place with dissolvable suture material.

Post-Surgery Care and Recovery

After the dental procedure, veterinary professionals monitor your pet as they recover from anesthesia. Typically, pets are ready to return home later in the day of the procedure. Dental surgeries often take longer than other routine procedures, so it’s normal for your pet to take a bit longer to recover.

Three days after the procedure, a checkup with the vet is scheduled to examine the extraction sites and ensure they’re healing as expected. A week later, there’s a follow-up visit with a veterinary nurse to discuss ongoing dental home care for your pet.

The Importance of Regular Dental Homecare

Once your pet receives comprehensive dental care through a veterinary clinic, it’s crucial to ensure proper oral hygiene. Regular dental home care helps to prevent recurring issues and keeps your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. Veterinarians can offer advice on dental cleaning techniques suitable for your pet.

Conclusion

This behind-the-scenes look at veterinary dental surgery highlights the numerous steps in maintaining your pet’s oral health. From pre-surgery preparations to post-surgery care, veterinary professionals prioritize the safety and comfort of your pet throughout the entire process. With Proper veterinary care and dental homecare, you can ensure your pet maintains optimal oral health, contributing to their overall well-being and happiness. So, visit your trusted veterinary clinic for regular checkups, and remember to incorporate dental care into your pet’s daily routine!