What to expect if your pet needs an Oral ATP
(Assessment, Treatment, Prevention Procedure) Dental Scale and Polish

Based on your pet's physical examination, the doctor is recommending your pet return for a dental cleaning.  This includes an ultrasonic cleaning of all the teeth, polishing and fluoride treatment.  The gum and all teeth will be evaluated for evidence of disease and injury.  Your pet must be under general anesthesia for this procedure.  Please take the time to schedule your pet's dental cleaning today.
 

What Veterinary Dentistry Services are offered?

  • Endodontics: Pulp exposure treatment of fractured teeth/pulpitis, root canals, crown reductions and tooth abscesses.
  • Periodontics: Treatment of periodontal disease, teeth scaling and polishing, root planing, mucogingival surgery and guided tissue and bone regeneration.
  • Orthodontics: Correction of common malocclusions, orthodontic appliances, bite evaluations, and genetic counseling.
  • Restorations: Cast metal crowns, fillings, esthetic bonding, bridges and implants.
  • Oral Surgery: Difficult extractions, jaw fractures, palate defects, oronasal disease, oral tumors and teeth avulsions.
  • Oral Diseases: Oral manifestations of systemic disease, gingivostomatitis, feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions and oral autoimmune disorders.
  • Dental x-rays, or radiography, has greatly enhanced the way we, as veterinarians, practice veterinary dentistry. So much of dental disease, such as periodontal disease, tooth root abscesses, jaw fractures, tumors, etc., occurs below the gumline, that dental radiography is an absolute necessity to practice veterinary dentistry. Dental radiography allows for diagnosis of certain diseases, plan for the appropriate treatment as well as monitoring for treatment success.


                                                       Oral Assessment

No DescriptionUpon arrival the technician reviews with you what is to be done that day and asks some medical questions. Once admitted for the procedure, Dr. Wheeler will examine the patient and customize their individual anesthetic protocol. Pre-anesthetic blood work is analyzed on in-hospital laboratory equipment and reviewed by Dr. Wheeler.



 
 

No Description
Oral Treatment
First, pre-medications are given by injection to relax the pet and enable them to wake up more comfortably. An area on your pet's leg will be shaved and an IV catheter is placed. After about 10 to 15 minutes a sedative is given in their vein that makes them very sleepy. Anesthesia is induced, an endotracheal tube is placed to maintain an airway while your pet sleeps, IV fluids are given to maintain blood pressure, the warming blanket is turned on, and a monitor displays vital signs.
Our certified dental technician begins cleaning each tooth with an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar build-up. She hand curettes under the gums, and the gingival pockets are measured to monitor periodontal disease. She then polishes the teeth and applies a fluoride treatment. After the teeth are cleaned, a complete charting of each tooth is performed. Full mouth x-rays are taken.  Our radiographs are digital and show up on a computer screen immediately after being taken.  These images show the doctor MANY things under the gum line that they can not see otherwise.  These things include bone loss from periodontal disease, abscessed teeth, roots left from broken teeth, and even fractures in the jawbone. If a tooth is broken, abscessed, or otherwise damaged the doctor may need to remove it to prevent future pain and the complications of infection.



 
No Description Anesthesia

Patients are hooked up to monitoring equipment for their entire dental procedure.  The monitor shows us heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and their blood pressure.  Their body temperature is also monitored during the procedure to make sure that they are not getting too cold. Pets are covered with a blanket and this machine blows warm air onto the pet to keep them warm while they are sedated.

 

 

Recovery

After the procedure is completed, the gas anesthesia is turned off and the endotracheal tube is removed. Monitoring is continued in ten minute intervals by the technician until the pet is up and walking. The technician then places your pet in a warm kennel or a run with plenty of blankets to help make recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible. The doctors and technicians check on your pet several times throughout the day to ensure they are comfortable. As a courtesy, a nail trim is also done while your pet is anesthetized.
 
Going Home
While the side effects of the pre-medication may take up to 48 hours to completely subside, your pet will be alert and able to walk when you come for discharge at the end of the day. At that time, Dr. Wheeler reviews the procedure and home care instructions and answers any remaining questions you may have. He will send you home with before and after pictures and your pet's report card. Your pet will undoubtedly be happy to see you and you will both enjoy the benefit of their cleaner, brighter, fresher mouth.
 


No DescriptionPain Management

We at BVH believe in an aggressive approach to pain management. In addition to obvious discomfort, we know that pain can lengthen the healing process. We offer many ways to address your pet's discomfort and aid in the quickest recovery, including the products Metacam Rimadyl, Buprenorphine, and Tramadol.
 

 
 
Home Dental Care
Brushing once daily is best, just as it is for our teeth and gums.  There are different styles of brushes available to ensure success.  Do not use human toothpaste because pets will just swallow the paste when done being used on the teeth, plus poultry is a more tempting flavor for pets than wintergreen! 
Oral hygiene rinses are available for those pets that refuse to allow their teeth to be brushed.  Used once daily, these rinses will kill bacteria in the mouth for 24 hours and help prevent the formation of plaque and tartar. 
Treated rawhides and kitty treats are available as possibly the easiest option for your pet's dental care.  Given once daily, these treats, much like the rinses, will help to ward off bacteria and prevent formation of plaque and tartar.  Plus with the treats, there is some mechanical removal of oral debris. 
Prescription diets are available that are designed to help decrease the amount of bacteria in the mouth and also to physically remove oral debris.
If toothbrushing is new to you and your pet we recommend that you make a "game" of it. It is a 3 step process.
    1) Start off slowly by introducing the toothpaste as a "treat" for about a week or so to get them used to the flavor. We want them to love it!
    If possible offer it around the same time each day, and give lots of praise and love!
    2) Once your pet enjoys the flavor, try putting some toothpaste on your finger and see if they will tolerate you placing your finger and the     toothpaste on their gums. Don't start brushing yet. Be cautious we DO NOT want you to get bitten. Also do this for about a week or so,     until they enjoy it and allow your finger in their mouth for about 15-20 seconds..
    3) After you and your pet have this routine down, use a toothbrush with toothpaste on it to brush the outside of the teeth on the top and     bottom. You should brush for about 15 seconds per quadrant for a total of 1 minute per day. Remember we want this to be fun and     enjoyable for you and your pet!
** If at any time you pet does not agree, start from the begining again. It may take a few months to really get your pet to enjoy the routine, but positive thinking will allow you and your pet to prevent periodontal disease together!

Proper Chew Toys:
Rule of thumb is: If you can NOT make an indentation with your fingernail into the toy, then  it is too hard and can cause trauma to the teeth.
Kongs, Rope Toys, Rubber Balls (No Tennis Balls), CET Rawhide Chews (Edible Flat Rawhides Only), Greenies, Fleece/Soft Toys
Supervision of you pet at all times when playing with any toys is necessary in case of choking, chewing, or swallowing large pieces.