FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.