Dental Procedures: What you need to know
When you bring your pet in for a dental procedure requiring anesthesia, we will ask you to sign a consent form. The consent form helps us be sure that you are familiar with the procedure your pet will be having.
A technician will go over the recommended services that you may choose to have us perform before and during your pet's procedure. These services do incur additional expense, so the consent form gives you an opportunity to ask questions that will help you make an informed decision concerning your pet's health and comfort.
Extractions and Radiographs:
Broken or badly decayed teeth can be painful to your pet and may cause additional medical problems if not removed. During your pet's dental exam, the doctor may find one or more teeth that she recommends extracting.
We also can take dental radiographs of potential problem areas to determine the nature of the problem and the best method for alleviating it. These radiographs can be viewed during the procedure. A post-extraction radiograph can also help ensure that all fragments of the tooth have been removed. Pain medications are recommended after extractions.
IV Fluids
Intravenous fluids during anesthetic procedures provide a valuable measure of safety and comfort to your pet. We use them to help maintain optimal blood pressure, to combat dehydration so your pet can recover more rapidly and comfortably from the effects of anesthesia, and to maintain good blood flow through the kidneys and other organs during anesthesia.
The IV line also gives us a direct route for administering other drugs should they become necessary during the procedure.
Blood Tests
We offer pre-anesthetic blood tests that check for liver and kidney abnormalities and also check blood glucose levels. They may help your doctor catch early signs of underlying health problems. These tests may also indicate that a modified anesthesia regimen would be a better choice for your pet. Your doctor may also recommend more comprehensive blood tests, particularly if your pet is older or has a known or suspected health issue.
Microchip
You may decide that this is a convenient time for your pet to be microchipped. It is a permanent form of identification, and your pet won't notice the needle stick when he/she is under anesthesia. Learn more about microchipping.
Fasting Instructions
No food after 9 p.m. the night before the procedure. Water is okay through the night, but please remove it first thing in the morning. (Your veterinarian may give additional instructions as needed.)
Medications should be given as prescribed unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
Other:
- Check-in Time for dental procedures is 8-8:30 a.m.
- Download a copy of this handout to sign before the procedure.