Before Your Visit

What to Expect.

Everything you need to know before, during, and after your pet's dental appointment.

A warm painted portrait of a dog at the veterinary dentist — the visual signature of the What to Expect page at Veterinary Dental Arts.
Our Commitments

Four things we promise.

I
No exam rooms. Full transparency.

Everything is open and visible. There is nothing to hide.

II
We will never exceed an estimate without your approval.

You set your communication preference at drop-off. We confirm by email. You can pre-authorize a range or ask us to email for any change.

III
Anxiety is managed — at no additional cost.

If your pet is anxious, ask about a pre-visit medication. If they need extra care after procedures, we prescribe at no charge. This improves everyone's life. Non-refundable procedure deposits are necessary for pre-visit meds.

IV
Convenient drop-off and pickup.

Drop-off in the morning, pick up when finished. No prolonged visits, upselling, or unnecessary time used. You can check-in, check-out, and read all the material necessary online if you like, or we can take time to connect more thoroughly in person. We value your time.

A Day at a Glance

The shape of the day.

A quick overview before the detail. Most patients follow this rhythm. We'll email along the way.

8:30–10 AM Drop-off Check-in + intake LATE MORNING Pre-med + anesthesia prep Catheter, exam, planning MIDDAY Anesthesia + COHAT Radiographs · cleaning · any surgery EARLY AFTERNOON Recovery Warm bedding · monitoring 3–5 PM Pickup Often sooner once recovered

Times are typical. Many patients are ready for pickup before 3 PM once they've recovered comfortably. We email when the procedure begins, when it's complete, and when your pet is ready to go home.

Step 1

Ahead of Time
a
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork
Available here or through your primary vet. We can also gather this during an early exam to plan better. Your doctor will recommend what makes clinical sense based on your pet's age and health — a young, healthy patient may need only a basic screen, an older patient or one with health concerns benefits from a broader panel.
b
Anti-anxiety medication
Provided at pre-appointment exams to help create a fear-free experience and make anesthesia smoother for anxious pets. This does require a down payment for the dental appointment, but the medication itself is no charge.
c
Fasting
No breakfast the morning of the dental. Water is fine up until drop-off. We know — they'll look at you like you've betrayed them. It passes.
d
Online check-in
We'll send a link ahead of time to help start the conversation about your pet's unique care needs. You can check in online to make the arrival as smooth as can be, or do so when you arrive.
e
Vaccines
If your pet is due or overdue for vaccines, let us know when you schedule. We offer all core and non-core vaccines for dogs and cats, and can take care of them during the same visit. Without records we cannot guarantee effectiveness or duration. Gather any vaccine history — email it ahead of time or bring it with you. Boosters require a primary care veterinarian.
Step 2

The Morning Of
a
Drop-off: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Bring your pet in during the drop-off window. When you book, we'll request a smaller window to help stagger intake — but we know everyone is human. We'll settle them in and review the plan, streamlining things so you can go about your day.
b
Consent and estimate
This may be sent ahead of time if we already know your pet or can safely assume the level of care; it may be adjusted at intake. Regardless, you'll have a written estimate and clear expectations before anything begins. Nothing proceeds beyond it without your approval.
c
Communication
We learn what we can about you and your pet's needs before anesthesia. We email right before and after the procedure, and again when they're ready for pickup. If any findings present unique challenges or risks, we email to discuss before making decisions. If we don't hear back quickly, we make the best choice possible with the information we have.

Email is our channel right now. We check throughout the day, but in-clinic patients come first — we respond as soon as we're between procedures.

Step 3

During Procedure
a
Complete oral exam
Probing depths, tooth-by-tooth assessment, documentation. Under anesthesia we examine what can't be assessed in a conscious patient.
b
Full-mouth radiographs
Every patient. Every time. Digital radiographs before any treatment begins.
c
Cleaning & treatment
Scaling above and below the gumline, polishing, and any approved treatment from the plan you signed. Everything is documented with photos and notes that come home with your pet.
d
Continuous monitoring
Heart rate, oxygen, temperature, blood pressure — throughout the procedure. Recovery happens in comfortable, warm kennels with continued monitoring until your pet is fully awake.
Step 4

After Procedure
📋
Written visit notes

Complete summary of findings, treatment, and follow-up.

📷
Clinical photos

Before and after images from the procedure.

🔬
Radiology links

Full-mouth radiographs for your records and your primary vet.

💊
Medication handouts

Dosing schedule and what to watch for.

🏠
Home care guide

Post-procedure and long-term care instructions.

Open Door Policy
"Questions don't stop at discharge. If something comes up at home — a weird smell, a funny chew, a 2am worry — reach out. That's what we're here for."
— VDA, Fort Collins
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