The Twelve Basic steps for dental care are as follows:
. Step 1. General Physical exam
. Step 2. Initial oral survey
. Step 3. Remove calculus above the gum line
. Least important part
. Most visible part of the cleaning to owners
. This is all a you can perform without anesthesia
. Step 4. Remove calculus below the gum line
. This is the least part of the cleaning visible to owners
. This is the most important part of the procedure for the patient
. Three possible steps may be involved
. Subgingival scaling (calculus removal)
. Root planing (smoothing rough surfaces)
. Subgingival curettage (soft tissue debridement of the inside of the gingival pocket)
. Step 5. Polishing
. Removes defects and irregularities
. Step 6. Irrigate all debris from under the gum line.
. Step 7. Flouride application
. Strengthens enamel
. Desensitizes exposed dentin and/or cementum
. Decreases the incidence of caries
. Step 8. Complete charting
. Almost all patients will have problem areas
. Note all abnormalities on the chart
. Pockets over 3mm in dogs and 1 mm in cats
. Furcation exposures
. Fractures/ exposed dentin
. Loose teeth
. Root exposure
. Step 9. Dental radiographs
. All suspicious areas should be radiographed
. 80% of dental anatomy is not visible to the eye
. Step 10. Treatment Plan
. Decide what treatment is needed
. Decide what medications are needed
. Step 11. Home care
. Give owners their options
. Demonstrate products on the owner’s pet
. Step 12. Schedule the next appointment
. Re-check Exam
. Time for the next professional care appointment!