Frequently Asked Questions
This is a list of our most commonly asked questions - if you cannot find the answers you are looking for here, please contact us via phone or email and we'll be happy to help you.
Why do I need a referral for a consultation?
We are a referral practice only, which means that we work in collaboration with your regular veterinarian to help with the dental needs of your pet. Your pet will need a full physical exam and preanesthetic bloodwork with your regular veterinarian prior to any dental surgery.
We will communicate with your regular veterinarian throughout the entire referral process. We will send a report following the consultation outlining exactly what was discovered and the tentative treatment plan. Following surgery a detailed surgical report will be sent including a description of the surgery performed, photographs, and x-rays.
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Why does my pet need bloodwork?
We require preanesthetic bloodwork for all of our patients prior to any of our surgical admissions. This helps us to better prepare an anesthetic plan for your pet and to provide the appropriate home medications.
To keep with the spirit of our referral environment, your pet's bloodwork should be completed with your regular veterinarian.
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What are your admission and discharge times?
Our regular admission time is between 8:00am - 9:00am. Pets are discharged the same day, generally between 2:00pm - 7:00 pm. There is no need for us to hospitalize patients overnight.
What do I do the night before a procedure?
It is important that your pet has been fasted (food removed) for 6-12 hours prior to any anesthetic procedure. We recommend that food be removed at midnight the evening before surgery with no breakfast the following morning. There is no need to remove water.
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If you pet is under 6 months of age and/or weighs less than 10 pounds, they may be offered a small snack - 4 or 5 kibbles - at 6:30 AM or earlier the day of your pet's procedure.
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Please bring a small amount of food for your pet that we can offer after they have recovered.
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What can I expect after surgery?
The vast majority of patients recover fully from the anesthetic within 24 hours.
A softened diet may be recommended depending on the surgery being performed. It is preferable that their regular diet be maintained as much as possible. If fed a dry food diet, it can be softened by adding hot water and covering for 20 minutes.
We also recommend that access to hard chew toys and/or hard treats be removed for 14 days post-surgery to allow for complete healing of the sutured gums. If you have questions about this, please do not hesitate to inquire with us before the admission time.
Rough/excessive playing and running is not recommended during the recovery period. Leash walks are encouraged. You can also use this time to mentally exercise your pet by teaching new tricks and rewarding with soft treats.
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Will I have to give any medications after surgery?
You can expect your pet to be discharged with medications, which will vary depending on the procedure done. All medications will be discussed in detail at the time of the discharge, including appropriate dosage and frequency. This information will also be given in written form. Pain medication is usually dispensed for a minimum of 3-4 days post-surgery. Oral rinses and antibiotics may also be dispensed, depending on the case.
Please inform us of any medications and supplements your pet is receiving and we recommend you bring the medication along when dropping your pet off for surgery.
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Do you take insurance or do direct billing?
We are happy to contact your insurance company at the time of the consultation to determine exactly what coverage will be extended for the surgery. Following the surgery, we will submit all of the appropriate paperwork to expedite your payment from the insurance company.
If direct billing is preferred, please let us know during admission. If direct billing is not discussed prior, full payment of services will be expected at discharge.