Many primary care veterinarians provide dental services like dental prophylaxis (also called “dental cleanings”), extractions, and intra-oral X-rays. Animal owners often seek a dental specialist’s advice when they want to know all the options for oral care or to receive a second opinion. It is always ok to ask if your pet would benefit from a consultation with a veterinary dental specialist.

At Alpine Animal Hospital, we frequently see patients who would benefit from expert advice. Common reasons for referral to a specialist include advanced procedures like root canal therapy, orthodontic consultations, difficult extractions, multiple extractions, stomatitis cases, oral tumors, severe trauma, advanced periodontal disease, jaw fractures, or special needs patients. We refer our patients to Dr Louise Marron with Companion Dentistry and Oral Surgery. She practices directly out of Alpine Animal Hospital.

1. How is my pet monitored under anesthesia?
2. Who will be monitoring the anesthesia?
3. Is the pet intubated and their airway protected from debris?
4. Does my pet need advanced imaging like intra-oral radiographs or CT?
5. How often do you perform this procedure?
6. What equipment do you have to perform this procedure?
7. Who performs dental extractions?
8. Do you use sterile equipment on each patient?
9. Are there alternatives and options to treat my pet’s disease or problem?
10. Could a root canal be performed to save any fractured teeth?
11. What are the risks and complications associated with this dental procedure?
12. Who will be with my pet as it recovers from anesthesia?
13. Does your facility offer 24-hour care?
14. Who do you refer to if my pets needs 24-hour care?