This document provides important information about your pet’s dental procedure. While dental treatments are generally safe, all surgeries carry some risk, though complications are rare.
Do not feed your pet the day of the procedure. Remove all food from the night before. Water may remain available at all times.
What to Expect:
Procedure:
Your pet’s dental treatment may include the following:
Dental Cleaning (Scale and Polish): Removal of dental plaque and tartar buildup to improve oral health.
Examination for Dental Disease: Periodontal probing will be used to assess the health of tissues below the gumline.
Dental Radiography: X-rays will evaluate the jaw and tooth roots for hidden issues below the gumline.
Extractions (if required): Teeth that are damaged, infected, or causing pain may need to be removed to ensure your pet’s comfort and health.
Aftercare:
If extractions or sutures are required, you will be given specific aftercare instructions.
Pain relief may be prescribed to ensure your pet’s comfort during recovery.
Potential Risks and Complications:
While this is a routine procedure, complications can occur. Please review the following list carefully, and feel free to ask our staff if you have any questions or concerns.
Possible Complications Include:
Haemorrhage (bleeding): Can occur during or after the procedure.
Wound breakdown: If the gum is sutured, there is a risk of the site not healing properly.
Infection: The surgical or dental site may become infected.
Incomplete root removal: Fragments of tooth roots may remain, which could lead to future issues.
Root migration: Tooth roots or fragments may migrate into nearby structures, causing discomfort.
Damage to nearby structures: Includes potential injury to the eye, tongue, or surrounding tissues.
Local anaesthetic complications: Nerve blocks used during the procedure may damage nerves or blood vessels.
Damage to adult teeth: Removing deciduous (baby) teeth may inadvertently damage adult teeth.
Pain: Pain is expected with extractions, but appropriate pain relief will be provided.
Jaw fractures: Particularly in cats and small-breed dogs, jaw bones may fracture due to their size or fragility.
Post-operative injuries: Injuries may occur while your pet is recovering from anaesthesia.
Anaesthetic risks: These include rare but serious complications such as respiratory or cardiac issues, and in extremely rare cases, death.
Our Commitment to Safety:
We take every precaution to minimise risks to your pet by:
Using sterile techniques during the procedure.
Administering appropriate anaesthesia and analgesia, and monitoring your pet throughout the process.
Providing thorough post-operative care to ensure your pet’s comfort and recovery.
Owner Responsibility:
Please note that you, as the owner, are responsible for any costs associated with complications. Following all aftercare instructions and promptly addressing any concerns will help minimise risks to your pet.
If you have any questions or require further clarification about the procedure, risks, or aftercare, please don’t hesitate to speak with our team. We are committed to your pet’s health and well-being.