I have a 4 year-old Chihuahua that has a couple of black teeth. (I just
noticed). Anyway, I know that this is probably decay. How is tooth decay
treated? Can the teeth somehow be cleaned/repaired or do they simply have to
be extracted? I am calling the vet later this week. Is there any matters
that I should be aware (techniques, costs, dangers) before taking my dog in?

Thanks,
Steve

I have a 4 year-old Chihuahua that has a couple of black teeth. (I just
noticed). Anyway, I know that this is probably decay.

First of all, please know that your pet's periodontal disease can cause
liver, kidney and heart disease and *will* cause pain and discomfort. Good
for you for discovering it and calling the vet for a consultation.

How is tooth decay
treated? Can the teeth somehow be cleaned/repaired or do they simply have
to
be extracted?

Just like with people, pets are given a dental cleaning except that the pets
need to be put under general anesthesia for the procedure. The teeth are
cleaned of plaque, scaled with an ultrasonic device and teeth, gums, pockets
etc are thoroughly examined for disease. Ultimately the pet recieves a
fluoride treatment and goes home with antibiotics as well. The doctor will
also treat the decayed teeth in any number of ways. Most people opt for
extraction, though more fixable (although) expensive treatments are
available.

I am calling the vet later this week. Is there any matters
that I should be aware (techniques, costs, dangers) before taking my dog
in?

I am a practice manager, so I'm hoping some professional staff will respond
as well. Basically your expenses cover the dental prophylaxis and
anesthesia, monitoring and recovery. Because anesthesia is involved the pet
should have a blood panel done first to look for pre existing conditions
that could complicate the anesthesia (which is very safe for a healthy pet)
or infection. Is it costly? Well, depends on how you look at the value. It
is a lengthy procedure and there are costs involved. But it is a lot cheaper
than the treatment down the road for a much more severe periodontal disease
or complications that arise from it. Our office does a basic dental with no
extractions at around $100. However, each vets office is different and you
should ask your vet lots of questions until you are satisfied. Ask for a
tour too!

-Sharon

I have a 4 year-old Chihuahua that has a couple of black teeth. (I just
noticed). Anyway, I know that this is probably decay.

First of all, please know that your pet's periodontal disease can cause
liver, kidney and heart disease and *will* cause pain and discomfort. Good
for you for discovering it and calling the vet for a consultation.

How is tooth decay
treated? Can the teeth somehow be cleaned/repaired or do they simply have
to
be extracted?

Just like with people, pets are given a dental cleaning except that the pets
need to be put under general anesthesia for the procedure. The teeth are
cleaned of plaque, scaled with an ultrasonic device and teeth, gums, pockets
etc are thoroughly examined for disease. Ultimately the pet recieves a
fluoride treatment and goes home with antibiotics as well. The doctor will
also treat the decayed teeth in any number of ways. Most people opt for
extraction, though more fixable (although) expensive treatments are
available.

I am calling the vet later this week. Is there any matters
that I should be aware (techniques, costs, dangers) before taking my dog
in?

I am a practice manager, so I'm hoping some professional staff will respond
as well. Basically your expenses cover the dental prophylaxis and
anesthesia, monitoring and recovery. Because anesthesia is involved the pet
should have a blood panel done first to look for pre existing conditions
that could complicate the anesthesia (which is very safe for a healthy pet)
or infection. Is it costly? Well, depends on how you look at the value. It
is a lengthy procedure and there are costs involved. But it is a lot cheaper
than the treatment down the road for a much more severe periodontal disease
or complications that arise from it. Our office does a basic dental with no
extractions at around $100. However, each vets office is different and you
should ask your vet lots of questions until you are satisfied. Ask for a
tour too!

-Sharon

In article "Sharon too" writes:
extractions at around $100. However, each vets office is different and you
should ask your vet lots of questions until you are satisfied. Ask for a
tour too!

-Sharon

Sharon,

We are very lucky to have you posting here!


--Marshall

In article "Sharon too" writes:
extractions at around $100. However, each vets office is different and you
should ask your vet lots of questions until you are satisfied. Ask for a
tour too!

-Sharon

Sharon,

We are very lucky to have you posting here!


--Marshall

Our office does a basic dental with no
extractions at around $100.

Just a clarification. Our price for the procedure is closer to $150.

-Sharon

Our office does a basic dental with no
extractions at around $100.

Just a clarification. Our price for the procedure is closer to $150.

-Sharon

In article "Sharon too" writes:
We are very lucky to have you posting here!

Thank you, Marshall. However I usually defer to the technical people here.
Not many people have questions for the practice manager

;-)

-Sharon

Sharon,

What you write is true but many people avoid taking their pets
to the vet because they fear the cost of veterinary treatment.
I gather you can address this issue. :-)

--Marshall

In article "Sharon too" writes:
We are very lucky to have you posting here!

Thank you, Marshall. However I usually defer to the technical people here.
Not many people have questions for the practice manager

;-)

-Sharon

Sharon,

What you write is true but many people avoid taking their pets
to the vet because they fear the cost of veterinary treatment.
I gather you can address this issue. :-)

--Marshall

What you write is true but many people avoid taking their pets
to the vet because they fear the cost of veterinary treatment.
I gather you can address this issue. :-)

Whereas I avoid going to the dentist myself because... because... I fear the
dentist

:-)

-Sharon