Vinton vet, veterinarian in Vinton, VA

Dental Cleaning

After the patient has been evaluated and the history assessed, pre-anesthetic medications are individually calculated and tailored for each individual.

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 patients 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 patients 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.

At discharge, all instructions are written out and fully explained. 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.