What is involved in a dental prophylaxis?

A routine dental prophylaxis involves general anesthesia and a half day of hospitalization. Your pet will be dropped off in the morning and you will be able to pick him or her up in the afternoon.
A thorough oral exam under general anesthesia. We evaluate the severity of your pet’s periodontal disease, look for fractured or abscessed teeth, oral tumors, bite abnormalities, or other potential problems.
Scaling-calculus and tartar are removed both above and below the gum line.
Polishing-microscopic scratches are polished out of the enamel, giving teeth a smoother surface and helping to prevent calculus from adhering to the teeth when brushed regularly.
Application of OraVet gel to teeth surfaces to reduce the accumulation of bacteria and tartar.
Extractions-We understand that extracting teeth can be traumatic for owners as well as their pets. We only extract teeth that need to be removed. If the tooth has a cavity, is broken, or is no longer held firmly in place by surrounding bone it is painful and needs to be extracted. For pain control, we now offer clients the option of using local anesthesia prior to extractions (similar to a human dentist using Novocaine prior to major dental work). Please see the following page for more information.
An antibiotic injection is given and your pet may have antibiotics to go home.
A finger brush sample kit is sent home at no charge.