Frequently asked questions

1. Q:

   Why is dental surgery so expensive? What is included in the cost?

   A:

   Dental surgery is a complex and specialised procedure. At creature comforts, we do dentals to the highest standard. This includes detailed dental charting so we can properly assess the health of your pet's teeth, dental x-rays so we can look for damage to teeth under the gum line, a thorough descale and polish, nerve block injections to make sure the dental is pain-free, extractions of infected or painful teeth, stitching of the gums to ensure healing happens as fast as possible, a full general anaesthetic, detailed and careful anaesthetic monitoring throughout the procedure, and monitoring and warming of your pet as they recover. We also offer a free check up after the procedure to ensure your pet's gums have healed properly, and of course are just a phone call away if you hae any questions once your pet is recovering at home.

2. Q:

   I saw a pet grooming shop offering "non-anesthetic dental scaling." Can the vet do that too?

   A:

   Non anaesthetic dental scaling can result in damaging and killing healthy teeth, accidental injury and pain to your pet, or accidental inhalation of water or fluid which can result in severe chest infections and pneumonia. Veterinary dental procedures should always be done under general anaesthesia to make sure the procedure is as safe and pain-free as possible.

3. Q:

   My dog or cat doesn't let me brush their teeth. They struggle and even bite me when I try to touch their mouth. What can I do to keep their mouth clean?

   A:

   Tooth brushing is the most effective way to maintain dental health, but we understand it can be difficult with some cats or dogs! Our vets and nurses can teach you how to train your pet to let you do the tooth brushing, and in the meantime you can try using oral wipes, dental chews or special diets to help kepe their teeth as healthy as possible.

4. Q:

   Why must dental surgery be done under anesthesia? I don't want my pet to take any risks. Can't it be done without anesthesia?

   A:

   Anaesthesia in animals is generally very safe, and we take lots of steps (including blood tests, careful monitoring, giving fluids) to make sure the risk to our patients is as small as possible. Doing dental surgery with no anaesthesia can result in damaging and killing healthy teeth, accidental injury and pain to your pet, or accidental inhalation of water or fluid which can result in severe chest infections. Veterinary dental procedures should always be done under general anaesthesia to make sure the procedure is as safe and pain-free as possible.