What You Need to Know Before Your Pet's Upcoming Dentistry

Many people have questions about various aspects of their pet's dentistry , and we hope this information will help.  It also explains the decisions you will need to make before your pet's upcoming dentistry.

Who will perform the procedure/surgery?

• The doctor assigned to surgery/dentistry the day the appointment is made. Drs. Marron, Higgins, and Mitchell perform surgeries/dental procedures during the week. 
• Our dental assistant Barbara with over 17 years of experience in dental care.  

What procedures will be performed?

• The doctor will discuss all aspects of the dentistry prior to the actual dentistry date in most cases. 
• Sometimes it is not possible to fully assess the nature of the dental work required until your pet has received their anesthesia.  Changes to the planned procedure will be discussed.  If we are unable to contact you during the procedure, we will perform the procedure that is medically necessary.  
• Dental procedures include: descaling, polishing, extractions, radiographs, and oral surgery.

When will the dentistry occur and what time will I be able to pick my pet up?

• Dental procedures are by appointment only or on emergency basis.
• Dental procedures are performed during the morning and early afternoon hours Monday through Friday.
• Please plan to drop your pet off between 6:15 and 7:30 AM in preparation for their dentistry, unless other arrangements have been made.
• You will be advised when to pick up by the doctor or one of the team members. 

Where will the procedure/surgery occur?

• The procedure will occur in our treatment room at our office. 

Is the anesthetic safe?

Today's modern anesthetic monitors have made surgery much safer than in the past.  Here at Battlefield Animal Clinic, we do a thorough physical exam on your pet before administering anesthetics, to ensure the pet is healthy enough to receive the anesthetic.  We also adjust the amount and type of anesthetic used depending on the health of your pet. 

Preanesthetic blood testing is important in reducing the risk of anesthesia.  Every pet needs blood testing before dentistry to ensure that the liver and kidneys can process the anesthetic.  Even apparently healthy animals can have serious organ system problems that cannot be detected without blood testing.  If there is a problem, it is much better to find it before it causes anesthetic or surgical complications.  Animals that have minor abnormalities will handle the anesthetic better if they receive IV fluids during surgery.  If serious problems are detected, surgery can be postponed until the problem is corrected.

For geriatric or ill pets, additional blood tests, electrocardiograms, or x-rays may be required before dentistry as well.

It is important that dentistry be done on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of vomiting during and after anesthesia.  You will need to withhold food for at least 8 to 10 hours before dentistry.  Water can be left down for the pet until the morning of dentistry.

Will my pet have stitches?

For dental procedures that require certain extractions, we use absorbable sutures.  These will dissolve on their own, and do not need to be removed later.  Some oral surgeries, especially tumor removals, do require skin stitches.  With either type of suture, you will need to keep an eye on the incision for swelling or discharge.    If there are skin sutures, these will usually be removed 10 to 14 days after surgery.  You will also need to limit your pet's activity level for a time and no baths are allowed until the sutures are removed.

Will my pet be in pain?

Anything that causes pain in people can be expected to cause pain in animals.  Pets may not show the same symptoms of pain as people do; they usually don't whine or cry, but you can be sure they feel it.  Pain medications needed will depend on the procedure performed.  Major procedures require more pain relief than things like minor lacerations.

What other decisions do I need to make?

While your pet is under anesthesia, it is the ideal time to perform other minor procedures, such as growth removal, ear cleaning, or implanting a microchip.  If you would like an estimate for these additional services, please call ahead of time or ask one of our receptionists.  This is especially important if the person dropping the pet off for surgery is not the primary decision maker for the pet's care.

When you bring your pet in for dentistry, we will need 5 to 10 minutes of your time to fill out paperwork.  When you pick up your pet after dentistry you can also plan to spend about 10 minutes to go over your pet's home care needs.

We will call you before your scheduled dentistry appointment, to confirm the appointment and to answer any questions you might have.  In the meantime, please don't hesitate to call us with any questions about your pet's dental health.