Pet F.A.Q.

1. What should we bring to our appointment? 

 At The Pet Dentist, we try to make the entire referral process as seamless as possible. In doing so, we prefer to know as much as possible about the past medical history of your pet so we can tailor medications and treatments for each individual. It is extremely helpful if, prior to the initial exam appointment, to have medical records for the last year, as well as recent laboratory results faxed to us. We require bloodwork (complete blood count and chemistry profile) to be within the last two months if there are no major medical problems, and within one week if there are medical problems. The entire examination/treatment process can be facilitated by having this bloodword done at your referring veterinarian and either faxed, mailed, or brought with you to the appointment. Other diagnostic tests may also be recommended, depending on any other medical conditions. Chest x-rays, abdominal x-rays, urinalysis, heart ultrasound, blood glucose measurement, electrocardiogram, or other tests may be deemed necessary, and may be done by your referring veterinarian or may be available here prior to any treatment. If your pet is diabetic, please call the office where you have an appointment to discuss the plan for the morning dose of insulin and feeding. Please bring your insulin with you to your appointment with an unused insulin syringe. We will measure the blood glucose at the beginning and end of the treatment procedure and dose the insulin accordingly, if indicated..

  • Copies of medical records from the referring veterinarian
  • Recent bloodwork (CBC and chemistry profile)
  • Copies of reports from any other recent diagnostic tests
  • List of current medications
  • Insulin with syringe if your pet is diabetic
  • fill out and fax a Client Information Form to our office (click here to get the Client Information Form)

2. Is anesthesia necessary for dental procedures on my pet? 

 Anesthesia is not necessary for our initial examination and consultation, but for any further diagnostic testing such as taking dental x-rays or for a thorough oral examination, the patients must either be sedated or under a light anesthesia. Without this, we would not be able to fully evaluate the teeth and gum tissue in pets. It is enticing to seek “anesthesia free” dental services, but to be able to detect and diagnose most dental disease, such as periodontal disease and to take dental x-rays, a light anesthesia is necessary.

3. Do you clean pet’s teeth? 

 While we have the ability to clean teeth, it is not our purpose to provide these services to clients. Your family veterinarian and their staff should be well equipped and versed in routine dental care and has the ability to provide these services. In most cases, they would be doing the same protocols and procedures as we would. However, there are instances where referring veterinarians will refer to us for cleaning a pet’s teeth, and in instances where the teeth must be cleaned to look for any further dental disease this would be done. I encourage you to talk with your veterinarian about having your pet’s teeth cleaned and if they diagnose a disease that needs our attention or would prefer that we perform a procedure, then have them refer you to us or another veterinary dentist.

4. How much will this cost?

A valid question, but one that will vary significantly depending on the type and extent of dental disease present. Every client will be given a treatment plan and estimate of cost following the initial examination and consultation. In some instances, disease will not be completely discovered until further diagnostics, such as dental x-rays, are completed. All options will be discussed, an estimate for success (a prognosis) will be provided, and estimated cost for each treatment will then be given. Based on this information and your requests, the treatment will be completed.

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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Wesley Chapel Office

Monday - Friday:

7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday, Sunday:

Closed

Clearwater Office

Monday - Friday:

7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday, Sunday:

Closed