What can the Shaker dental program offer your pet?

• Dental prophylaxis / cleaning
• Digital dental radiographs
• Crown restoration
• Root canal
• Vital pulp therapy
• Cap application
• Crown preparation and bite impressions
• Gingivectomy
• Extractions - loose, regular, surgical
• Baby tooth extractions

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• • What can I do to prevent dental disease in my pet after restoring the health of the pet's oral cavity with professional dental cleaning?

    • Brushing
    • Oral rinse
    • Dental diet
    • Oral chews and treats
    • Water additive

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    • Frequently Asked Questions

    • • What is the cost?
        At the pre-anesthetic exam the veterinarian will create a treatment plan with the cost of the procedure according to the extent of disease.
        • How long does the procedure take?
          The procedure takes around an hour for a full cleaning with charting. If radiographs and extractions are necessary the procedure will take longer.
          • Is that a lot of teeth to pull?
            Owners are often concerned with the amount of teeth needed to be extracted. Dogs have 42 teeth and cats have 30. Pets will eat regardless of how many teeth they have. Remember that pets are much more comfortable without the diseased teeth.
            • What are the different types of extractions?
              Loose extractions are performed on teeth which are already mobile. Elevated extractions are removed without surgical intervention. Surgical extractions involve making an incision in the gingival tissue and using high speed drills to assist in exposing the diseased tooth to facilitate removal.
              • Will they be able to eat hard or dry food after the procedure?
                It is recommended to feed canned or softened food after a dental due to the sutures in the mouth. Dry food can be soaked for 10 minutes and it will become fluffy and soft to eat.
                • Do they need to be anesthetized?
                  Absolutely! Animals receiving a complete dental procedure need to be under anesthesia for a safe and thorough cleaning.
                  • Is it painful?
                    All pets receive a pain medication by injection also known as a premedication before the procedure and pets with extraction go home with oral pain medication.
                    • Do they have to stay overnight?
                      No. For a dental procedure the pet only needs to stay for the day.
                      • What effect does dental disease have on their health?
                        Dental disease can affect liver, kidneys, and heart. Bacteria that collects around the roots of the teeth have access to the blood stream. Pets can develop serious illness due to the bacteria in their mouths when they have dental disease.
                        • What is a resorptive lesion?
                          A resorptive lesion is an infection that affects 60% of cats over 2 yrs old. It is similar to a cavity and makes a crater in the tooth usually at the gum line. The infection is painful and very bloody. Extraction is the only treatment.

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                        How Shaker Veterinary Hospital Cleans Your Pets Teeth

                        • • 1. Pre-anesthetic Exam/ Blood work/ Treatment Plan
                            A doctor will examine the mouth to determine the level of periodontal disease and provide a treatment plan with the costs of the procedure. Blood work will be tested to detect major organ and metabolic functions to determine the safest drug protocol for your pet.
                            • 2.Admission
                              You will be called the day before your pet’s procedure to review the admission time and other pre-dental protocols.
                              • 3.Premedication/IV Catheter
                                A premedication is given before the procedure to relieve anxiety and provide analgesia (pain relief) for the pet. An intravenous catheter is placed for fluid therapy.
                                • 4.Anesthesia/Monitoring
                                  Inhalant gas anesthesia provides a safe and comfortable cleaning. This includes monitoring of the heart, respirations, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, and temperature.
                                  • 5.Full Oral Exam/Charting
                                    The oral cavity findings of each individual tooth are recorded and all abnormalities are noted.
                                    • 6.Dental Scaling/Polishing
                                      Ultrasonic scaling removes the calculus and plaque above and below the gum line. Polishing provides a smooth tooth surface and delays the reattachment of plaque causing bacteria.
                                      • 7.Radiographs/Extractions or Treatment
                                        Radiographs are an essential tool to evaluate oral health beneath the surface of the teeth. Any teeth that are causing pain and infection should be extracted. Sometimes a tooth can be saved using doxirobe gel, root canal, or root planning
                                        • 8.Antimicrobial Rinse/Fluoride Treatment
                                          We use an antimicrobial wash to rinse away bacteria followed by a fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel.
                                          • 9.Discharge
                                            We provide before and after pictures of the teeth along with discharge instructions, pain medications and antibiotics if needed.