WellPet 12-Step Dental Cleaning Service

Pre-Anesthetic Office Exam

This service let's you know the extent of the work to be done and will give you an estimate of cost based on your pet's condition. Exams are scheduled in the afternoon, surgeries first thing in the morning.

Step 1: Examination both Pre and Post-Anesthesia

We examine the face and head for asymmetry, swelling or discharges. We examine the oral cavity, oral mucosa, and facial surfaces of teeth and gums. We open the mouth to examine lingual/palatal surfaces of teeth and gums, tongue, palates, oral mucosa, tonsils and ventral tongue area. Your pet will be rated 1, 2, 3 or 4 with 4 being the most advanced signs of disease.

Step 2: Pre-Operative Blood Work

A Pre-anesthetic blood count and chemistry profile is recommended for most pets and required for pets 6 years and older. We may need further diagnostics based on the patients age and condition. Anesthetic protocol and post-operative medications are based on test results.

Step 3: General Anesthesia

Anesthetic monitoring is an important component to any anesthesia. WellPet uses modern electronic monitoring devices as well as the trained eye of the doctor and technician.

Step 4: Cleaning - Supra-gingival Calculus Removal

Plaque and tartar removal ABOVE the gum line using a ultrasonic scaler.

Step 5: Cleaning - Sub-Gingival: Root Planning and Curettage

Plaque and tartar removal BELOW the gum line using a hand curette and ultra-sonic scalers.

Step 6: Polishing

Minor defects of the tooth surface occur. Polishing smoothes out the defects and helps reduce future plaque and calculus. Pumice or polishing paste is used.

Step 7: Irrigation

Diseased tissue and plaque are removed from the pocket or sulcus.  Chlorhexidine gluconate solution are used.

Step 8: Fluoride Treatment (if required)

Fluoride is used to decrease discomfort and harden enamel.

Step 9: Periodontal Probing and Charting

We record any disease present. We include missing, loose, fractured, and discolored teeth as well as feline oral resorptive lesions, periodontal pocket depths, gingival recession, and other significant lesions.

Step 10: Treatment Plan

Follow up recommendations and medications.

Step 11: Home Care Instructions

This consists of proper tooth care and brushing instructions along with healthy treat recommendations

Step 12: Follow-Up

Follow-up check-up is scheduled.