Removal of teeth may be quick, often quoted as a small cost per tooth or time under anesthesia. Other costs for proper care add up. Sometimes they are additional charges or considered less “Necessary”. For example, cleaning out the infection from the pocket, smoothing down bone fragments, advanced subgingival treatment and root plaining of other teeth (if some had to go, others often have the start to a problem), a watertight closure of the location to limit pockets from getting debris in them, and pain medications. We include everything to limit as many future problems as possible.  

 

Why is there a price jump to pull a few loose teeth? 

This helps us with our primary mission; the reduction of anesthesia time while promoting the best care possible in a cost-effective manner. It’s also because we don’t like messing around, nickel and diming the materials used or placing a value on time where skill is the actual product.  

 There will be instances where a bill can fluctuate, but that’s the exception, not the rule, when medications are very costly to us due to extremely large weights or with specialty products.  

Why is the price packaged if every patient is unique?  

Sometimes the answer is yes, it’s the only option. Other times they can be saved or monitored to see if there will be ongoing issues. There are times when referral to a specialist can help save teeth for procedures such as a root canal. Options to save a tooth will always be discussed and offered. You will help in the decision-making process we will give you all the information available.  

Do I have to pull my pets teeth? 

Companion animals can live a happy life without teeth, especially if they are causing pain. There are consequences to losing teeth so it’s best to do regular home care and have a dental performed yearly (depending on the age and breed of the patient). A common consequence includes additional buildup of tartar for teeth that can no longer chew against the one removed. We do what’s best for overall health and long-term care based on your pets needs, opportunity for follow up care, and your ability to provide home care.  

How many teeth ARE too many? 

Pets rarely show outward signs of discomfort or pain. Often in manifests as anxiety, being head shy, nippy, or even rapidly eating food and avoiding chewing. You’d never know it, but are good at chewing on one side, just like we do if a tooth is bothering us. Commonly we see more tartar on the side of the mouth that has a fractured tooth. They learn to avoid putting pressure on them. While under sedation we can see things like jaw tremors or heart rate spikes when we are examining bad teeth. This is another way for us know actually see that the pain is significant and requires local blocks and additional therapy.  
 

How do I know if my pet is in pain? 

Not at our facility. It does not allow for thorough examination or treatment of developing pockets around the teeth. It also does not allow for imaging, the most necessary part of the procedure to identify deeper and more painful problems. It will make them shiny, but we have seem plenty of shiny smiles with tooth root abscess or root fractures.    

 Is sedation-free tooth cleaning an option?