A DENTAL IS NOT "JUST A DENTAL"

An elective procedure such as dental is a major surgery, and is treated

as such here at Longenbaugh Veterinary Hospital.

We follow the protocol below with our surgeries:

1.    PRE- SURGICAL BLOOD PROFILE

We are checking a complete blood count, liver, and kidney values.

If any values are abnormal, we may postpone the surgery

 to investigate the cause.

2.    PRE-SURGICAL EXAMINATION

We are performing a complete examination to make

sure that the patient is healthy.

3.    PRE-SURGICAL EKG

We are checking the heart muscle performance.

4.    PRE-SURGICAL/POST SURGICAL PAIN MEDICATIONS

We use several types of pain management medications,

 and give them by injection and/or orally.

5.    SEDATIVE/ TRANQUILIZER

We give these medications to relax the patient before

general anesthesia.

6.    INTRAVENOUS CATHETER

We insert an intravenous catheter usually in a front leg.

 This allows for I.V. fluid and medication administration

before, during, and after surgery.

7.    INHALANT ANESTHESIA

We use Isoflurane or Sevoflurane, the safest gas anesthetics

 for patients.  All patients are intubated for maximum

oxygenation and anesthesia control.

8.    DENTAL PROCEDURE

We evaluate each tooth individually, curette under gums,

 radiograph teeth, then clean, polish, and seal teeth. We

extract only if necessary. All teeth are "charted" for further reference.

9.    SURGICAL MOITORING WITH EKG, PULSE OXIMETER, RESPIRATION,

TEMPERATURE, BLOOD PRESSURE.  Your pet is monitored

 by a technician from the start of surgery until the pet is out of recovery.

10. POST- OP PAIN MANAGEMENT

Patients are sent home with pain medications

and antibiotics.  

An estimate good for 30 days is given prior to scheduling the dental.