FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental problems common in cats and dogs?

80% of puppies over two years of age will have some form of periodontal disease.  If left untreated the periodontal disease often leads to suffering and tooth loss. One third of kitties over five years of age will have very painful tooth resorption.  One should remember that our pet age five to seven times faster than humans and pets will not brush their own teeth twice daily.  If you did not brush your teeth for seven years, would you expect dental issues?  Humans that brush their teeth twice daily still have dental issues.

My fur baby does not act painful so how could there be dental disease?

It is a scientific fact that our pet feels the same sensations as us humans.  The difference is how pet express pain.  A human in pain whines and seeks help.  Our pets have a pack mentality thus if they show pain, interpreted as a sign of weakness, they lose social status and are typically isolated therefore they will not express pain.  Our doctors have seen patients with severe oral trauma, including fractures, wag their tail, seem happy and eat like a horse. It is proposed that oral disease is the most common cause of a pet acting “old”.  After resolving oral disease, we have been told by countless pet parents that their pets are acting like puppies and kittens again.  If you imagined the problem in your mouth and ask yourself how you feel…you pet feels the same.

Wild animals do not have access to dental care, and they seem fine, why?

Many studies have proven that wild animals suffer the same painful oral disease as your domestic pets. On must consider that wild canines and kitties live for only a few short years.  We expect our pets to live well into their teens giving them time to develop significant dental disease….just as we humans do.

Does my pet need dental care?

An obnoxious bad breath is one sign of dental disease.  Red and inflamed gums and/or a brown appearance (tartar/calculus) of teeth is another. Oral and dental disease rarely makes a pet quit eating; however, one may see that their pet eats “differently”, quits chewing, drools, or prefers soft food.  Other signs of oral disease are broken or chipped teeth, facial swelling, rubbing the face with a paw or on the carpet.  If you are unable to decide, ask you general veterinarian or bring your beloved pet to us for a consultation.

How frequently should my fur baby have its teeth cleaned?

Depending on the breed and situation (dental disease, individual physiology, home care) pets should have their teeth cleaned from every six months to once yearly. The doctors at Carefree Dentistry and Oral Surgery for Animals can determine the proper interval to help maintain good oral and systemic health.

Is anesthesia really necessary to clean my pet teeth?

We have yet to meet a doggie or kitty who will sit in a chair, tilt their head, hold their mouth open and be still. Dental x-rays are absolutely necessary to evaluate teeth and are impossible to obtain in an awake pet.  The most important area to clean teeth is under the gum line.  Cleaning under the gum line is impossible in an awake patient.  The quality and safety of anesthesia varies from practice to practice. Some practices rely on a nurse to administer, maintain, and monitor the anesthesia.  Doctors at Carefree Dentistry and Oral Surgery for Animals are intimately involved with every anesthesia.   Our doctors have specialized training in anesthesia and customize each anesthesia protocol based on our patient’s needs. In addition, we have years of experience in successful anesthesia in high-risk patients and we have state of the art anesthesia equipment. Generally, the risk of not resolving oral or dental disease is greater than the risk of anesthesia. Some people advocate non-anesthetic dental cleaning.  Non-anesthetic does nothing to maintain or increase the health of the mouth and teeth. See more at the section on non-anesthetic dental cleaning.

Is home dental care necessary?

Just as home care is important to humans it is equally important to our fur babies.  Home care can maintain clean teeth longer and reduce the incidence of oral disease.  The gold standard of home care is brushing your pets’ teeth. Brushing does have limitations; anything less than brushing every other day is waste of time.  Once daily is better. Twice daily is best.  A minimal acceptable frequency is two minutes of teeth brushing every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Other methods of home care that are helpful include chlorhexidine rinses chews and water additive.  All products selected should have the Veterinary Oral Health Care (VOHC) seal of approval.  To get the VOHC seal of approval the manufacturer of a product must submit valid research that demonstrates that the product is safe and effective.

Why is dental care essential for my pet?

Dental care is crucial for pets because it directly impacts their overall health and well-being. Regular dental check-ups can prevent painful conditions like periodontal disease, abscesses, and tooth decay. A healthy mouth can also prevent harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream and affecting internal organs.

How often should my pet get a dental check-up?

Ideally, pets should receive a dental check-up at least once a year. Some small breeds need a dental check-up every six months.  However, if you notice any changes in their eating habits, bad breath, or visible dental issues, it’s essential to seek care promptly.

What signs indicate that my pet might have dental problems?

Common indicators of dental problems include bad breath, yellow or brown build-up on teeth, bleeding gums, difficulty, or refusal to eat, drooling, pawing at the mouth, and behavioral changes due to pain.

What is involved in a standard teeth cleaning procedure for pets?

A standard teeth cleaning procedure involves removing plaque and tartar build-up above and below the gum line, polishing the teeth, and conducting a thorough oral examination including x-rays of every tooth every time. At Carefree Dentistry & Oral Surgery for Animals, we use advanced tools and techniques to ensure your pet’s mouth is clean and healthy.

How does Carefree Dentistry & Oral Surgery for Animals manage the risks of anesthesia?

We take anesthesia seriously. Our unique approach involves an off-site board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist reviewing each patient’s medical records and lab results. This expert creates a customized anesthesia protocol, can view our anesthetic monitors in real-time, and maintains constant communication with us during procedures. This hands-on approach significantly reduces anesthesia risks. Learn more about our anesthesia protocols.

What are some post-procedure care tips for pets undergoing dental or oral surgery?

Post-procedure, it’s vital to follow any medication guidelines provided, monitor the surgical site for signs of infection, offer soft food if recommended, avoid toys or treats that might strain the mouth, and ensure your pet rests. Always follow the specific post-care instructions given at the time of discharge.

How does the use of CBCT benefit my pet's diagnosis and treatment?

Our advanced CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) offers detailed imaging, capturing both hard and soft tissues. This precision allows for accurate diagnoses, especially in complex cases, ensuring your pet receives the most appropriate and effective treatment.

How long does recovery typically take after a dental or oral surgery procedure?

Recovery times vary based on the procedure and the individual pet. The younger the pet the more quickly they recover.  Simple cleanings may have your pet back to normal within a day, while more complex surgeries might require a few days to weeks of recovery. We’ll provide detailed recovery timelines and care instructions for each case.

Why should I choose a specialist for my pet's dental or oral needs?

Specialists have undergone, on average, an additional four years of post-graduate training in specific areas, ensuring a deep understanding and skill set for complex cases. In addition, two brutal tests, written and practical, are required to become a veterinary dental specialist. At Carefree Dentistry & Oral Surgery for Animals, our focus on dental and oral health means we’re equipped with the latest technologies, knowledge, and techniques to offer unparalleled care.

What measures does Carefree Dentistry & Oral Surgery for Animals take to ensure the highest quality of care and safety for my pet?

Our commitment to 5-star customer service and patient care is unwavering. We combine cutting-edge technology, such as our CBCT, with the expertise of our specialized team. Our unique partnership with an off-site board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist ensures safety during procedures. Moreover, as an independently owned clinic, we have the flexibility to adapt and innovate, always prioritizing the well-being of our patients.

What is the difference between a dental cleaning with anesthesia and without anesthesia?

Non-anesthetic dental cleaning

We have yet to meet a doggie or kitty who will sit in a chair, tilt their head, hold their mouth open and be still. Dental x-rays are absolutely necessary to evaluate teeth and are impossible to obtain in an awake pet. The most important area to clean teeth is under the gum line.  Cleaning under the gum line is impossible in an awake patient.  In addition, it is impossible to perform an adequate oral examination in an awake patient.

 

Unfortunately, there are people who advocate that cleaning the teeth of an awake patient is beneficial and effective.  One should consider non-anesthetic dental clean the same as grooming.  It makes the mouth look and smell better, however it does nothing to aid in the health of the mouth and teeth.  In our opinion non-anesthetic dental cleaning is worse than doing nothing because it creates a false sense of security. Pet parents think they are doing good but in fact are doing nothing to benefit the health of the mouth and teeth. As dental specialists we have seen countless examples of pets that have had several non-anesthetic cases that require multiple extractions that could have been avoid by proper dental cleaning. The quality and safety of anesthesia varies from practice to practice. Some practices rely on a nurse to administer, maintain, and monitor the anesthesia.  Doctors at Carefree Dentistry and Oral Surgery for Animals are intimately involved with every anesthesia.   Our doctors have specialized training in anesthesia and customize each anesthesia protocol based on our patient’s needs. In addition, we have years of experience in successful anesthesia in high-risk patients and we have state of the art anesthesia equipment. Generally, the risk of not resolving oral or dental disease is greater than the risk of anesthesia.  For more information click here https://afd.avdc.org/.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia can be stressful for pet parents, not so much for their fur babies. General anesthesia is necessary to perform quality dental and oral care. The quality and safety of anesthesia varies from practice to practice. Some practices rely on a nurse to administer, maintain, and monitor the anesthesia.  The doctors at Carefree Dentistry and Oral Surgery for Animals are involved in every step of your beloved pets’ anesthesia and are never more than a few steps away from your baby. In addition, your baby will have a nurse assigned to him/her that stays with them from the time of sleepiness to complete recovery (awake).

 

Prior to every anesthetic procedure you pet will be examined by the doctor.  Laboratory results will be review. If lab tests are needed, we will obtain a blood sample and perform a complete blood count and a biochemical profile immediately prior to the procedure.  The doctor will create a customized anesthetic protocol for each patient.  Your baby will be given a mild sedative. An IV catheter will be placed, and IV fluids will be started. A preanesthetic EKG and blood pressure are obtained. Your baby will then be administered IV medications to induce sleep by our doctor.  An endotracheal (breathing tube) will be placed to establish and protect the airways.  Your baby will breathe pure oxygen and the safest anesthetic gas available. Our patients will be wrapped in warmed blankets and heaters (Bair Huggers & circulating warm water blankets) to maintain proper body heat.  The blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, breathing rate, core body temperature, exhaled carbon dioxide and blood pressure will be monitored continuously and recorded in the anesthetic record ever five minutes. After the procedure our patients start to wake very quickly.  Typically, within five minutes. They are usually standing in 10 to 15 minutes and go home in an hour or two. For those high-risk patients and/or for those pet parents who desire we can arrange to have a board-certifiedTM veterinary anesthesiologist manage the anesthesia.

Is my fur baby too old to be anesthetized?

Our doctors have years of experience with anesthesia in patients from 10 to 20 years of age. We have literally performed anesthesia in thousands of older patients and with significant comorbidities. This is the wheelhouse of our daily life. We do not believe age is a valid reason to not have general anesthesia and/or perform a complete oral health assessment and treatment. The quality of life is often drastically improved. They are usually standing in 10 to 15 minutes and go home in an hour or two. For those high-risk patients and/or for those pet parents who desire we can arrange to have a board-certifiedTM veterinary anesthesiologist manage the anesthesia.

What about breed sensitivity to anesthesia?

This is a myth the derives from the days of old when barbiturates were used in anesthesia. The barbiturates were distributed in fat and did cause problems in some patients. Those drugs are no longer in use. Anesthesia can be performed on the cheap or it can be performed safely.  Often the cheap anesthesia leaves the pet “hung over” for days. That perpetuates the myth of breed sensitivity.  Our doctors customize each and every anesthetic protocol for ever patient.

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