DENTAL

DENTAL

DENTAL

DENTAL

A pet’s dental health is an important aspect of keeping your pet healthy and preventing illness.  Just as humans require yearly dental check-ups and cleanings, our pets also need to have regular dental exams and cleanings.

ZippiVet veterinarians examine your pet’s teeth at every visit.  During this exam they look for broken or fractured teeth, discolored teeth, bad breath or halitosis, receding gingiva or gum lines, the level of gingivitis, as well as tartar and plaque build up.  These parameters help us determine if your pet needs dental intervention and if possible extractions may be required.

For new clients, dental consultations with a veterinarian are available.

If your pet is scheduled for a professional dental cleaning and comprehensive oral exam, here is what you can expect on the day of your pet’s dental procedure at ZippiVet:

  • Prior to your pet’s dental, we will thoroughly examine your pet and perform a pre-surgical blood screen.  The results of these tests and your pet’s breed, age and medical condition will be used to create a personalized anesthesia protocol.  This practice ensures that your pet is safe and well enough to undergo a surgery.
  • Your pet’s surgical team will contact you and provide updates throughout this process and before your pet undergoes anesthesia.
  • During surgery, your pet will receive an IV catheter and IV fluids throughout the procedure.  ZippiVet doctors and nurses utilize state-of-the-art digital monitoring systems to ensure your pet’s safety, tracking blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature and oxygen levels, and ECG at all times.  These steps assist in ensuring a safer procedure for your pet.
  • During the procedure, your pet will be constantly tended by your pet’s veterinarian and at least one veterinary technician.  These staff members are your pet’s surgical team and are devoted to ensuring your pet’s safety and care.
  • Every dental procedure includes full oral dental x-rays, ultrasonic scaling to remove dental tartar and plaque, and polishing.  Additionally, OraVet Barrier Sealant is applied to the tooth enamel which creates an invisible barrier that helps prevent plaque-forming bacteria from attaching to the tooth.
  • Some pets may require tooth extractions.  Once the dental x-rays are completed and a full oral exam has been performed, the doctor can evaluate if any teeth are diseased, if extractions are needed, or if any other treatments may be recommended.  A member of your pet’s surgical team will contact you before any treatments or extractions are performed.
  • After surgery, we provide pet parents with complete information on proper postoperative care and work with you to administer an individualized post-operative pain management plan.
  • In general, your pet will be dropped off at one of our ZippiVet hospitals on the morning of their scheduled surgery between 7:00 am – 7:30 am.  Most pets are able to go home between 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Your surgical team will contact you with a discharge time.  During discharge, the procedure and instructions for home care will be provided.