What can I expect as far as costs go and recovery? The fact that she has to go under makes me nervous as well. All experiences appreciated!
Seems like from what others have posted about dog dentistry that costs are all over the place.
My Jack Russell had to have a tooth extracted and his teeth cleaned a few years ago and it was over five hundred dollars.
There may be more costs involved if you go for the bloodwork for pre-anesthesia.
Come to think of it when my little Peke’s teeth were cleaned it was about five hundred as well.
I’m always worried when I have to leave one of my pets at the vets but so far have not had any problems due to their care and expertise.
It varies hugely based on where you live. If extractions are needed, the amount of time needed can be a lot. In my area an extensive dental, needing multiple teeth removed can easily run $6-800
I’m sorry, OP, you asked about recovery…
My Jack Russell was quite groggy for some time after his dental - but he had that extraction. The veterinarians can help you with after care. There may be some nausea accompanied with the anesthesia but otherwise the pet usuallly recovers quite well.
You will need to keep an eye out for any continued nausea or if your pet seems really uncomfortable. There may be some diet restrictions depending on what dental was done. Soft food was prescribed for a few days after my Peke’s work.
My pets did quite well with it and it was ME that was the worry-wart. 
At our clinic, pets will go home the day of the dental even with extractions. I have no idea on prices but like a previous poster mentioned, pre-anesthetic bloodwork and extractions will up the price. It usually takes a very short time for the procedure. 
I unfortunately have a chi with very bad teeth…The build up is SO bad, and her mouth smells rancid…She is 6 yearsold and hasn’t had a dental yet! Here is my trouble: I’m TERRIFIED if I take her in, that I won’t see her again. I know what MUST be done…but can’t seem to pick up the phone to make that appointment. I know this is bad for her, and she has to be uncomfortable…but, i tragically lost her “son” when he was just 11 mos. old 
He was my heart dog I took him in to get his double canines extracted, and he didn’t come home…It has been 3 years, and I still am in shock…all it was was a routine extraction! I wish i never took him in
My vet is awesome. I believe it was about $129 for a cleaning, extra for the bloodwork (senior dog). He uses propofol, they seem to recover fairly quickly.
That’s a great price, Laura!
[QUOTE=maunder;6747976]
That’s a great price, Laura![/QUOTE]
Wow, we dont even put a dog on fluids for that price!!
Price WILL vary depending on quality of care, and location. Some vet clinics cheap out and just do a quick ket/val or propofol induction and quickly clean the teeth, without polishing. This is fine in situations where money is tight, but there are increased risks.
Things that add up with costs are:
Pre-anes blood work.
IV catheter with fluids
IV Antibiotics, IV Analgesia (premedication)
Induction with propofol or ket/val, followed by gas anesthetic
2 vs. 1 technician (it will cost more to have one technician monitoring the anesthetic, an one do the cleaning - often clinics just have one tech do the cleaning and no one dedicated to monitor the anesthetic).
Dental radiographs
Extractions
Gelfoam/suture time/technique
Overall anesthetic time
Generally for a few extractions and a proper cleaning with polish its about a 45 minute procedure, in our area the price would range from $500-1200. Technician schools and vets who have co-op students do anesthetics/dentals often give clients a good deal since they are learning on your pet.
Ditto Squish.
Here’s what I would ask about:
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What’s the pre-anes protocol recommended at the clinic? If they don’t recommend a blood panel, I’d walk away.
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What kind of pre anes and what kind of anes do they use?
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What kind of monitoring and care do they offer during the dental? IMHO, they should at least do pulse ox and fluids.
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For an otherwise healthy dog, with good pre anes bloodwork, IV fluids and monitoring during the procedure, the recovery is usually easy.
My 9 1/2 YO lab had a dental about 2 mos ago and he was just fine. No major issues with teeth though.
I would expect to pay a few hundred without extractions.
[QUOTE=AzulBlue;6747707]
I unfortunately have a chi with very bad teeth…The build up is SO bad, and her mouth smells rancid…She is 6 yearsold and hasn’t had a dental yet! Here is my trouble: I’m TERRIFIED if I take her in, that I won’t see her again. I know what MUST be done…but can’t seem to pick up the phone to make that appointment. I know this is bad for her, and she has to be uncomfortable…but, i tragically lost her “son” when he was just 11 mos. old He was my heart dog I took him in to get his double canines extracted, and he didn’t come home…It has been 3 years, and I still am in shock…all it was was a routine extraction! I wish i never took him in[/QUOTE]
Have you tried brushing her teeth? There is a product made by Tropiclean that is a teeth “cleaner”. You pour the solution in your dogs drinking water to help keep teeth clean. Maybe try that route first and see how your results are.
[QUOTE=Megaladon;6750923]
Have you tried brushing her teeth? There is a product made by Tropiclean that is a teeth “cleaner”. You pour the solution in your dogs drinking water to help keep teeth clean. Maybe try that route first and see how your results are. :)[/QUOTE]
Do you think it would actually “remove” the built up tartar already there? I’m pretty sure brushing won’t help at this point 
If people want to brush teeth, that’s great! But you need to start AFTER a good cleaning. You cannot, will not, get rid of major buildup with a brush.
My vet quoted me $200 when I asked him today. My dog is 13, has never had her teeth cleaned (I know I know BAD owner) and is in good health but her breath has been terrible this past year. So today during her check-up / booster visit, the vet looked at her teeth and said that her teeth look good except for (not surprisingly) a lot of tartar buildup.
He will give her a bit of anesthetic but, he said, less than what he gave her when he removed a cyst on her neck (which cost me $130).
I’m hoping he won’t find any big problem that will drive the price up.
His prices are VERY reasonable, I think, because he works alone. No fancy clinic / assistants and whatnot. When I take my dog to him, we are seen immediately. No wait whatsoever. No unnecessary tests.
He’s old school I guess, and I like that.
Sophie, I’m not questioning your doctor as I am not a vet, but…please ask about the pre-cleaning bloodwork since your dog is 13.
It’s possible that your doctor is doing something different than my vet does when cleaning, which requires full anesthesia and support.
Your dog is a senior so just make sure you are covered by making sure your vet (and you) are completely comfy with putting your dog under without any pre-anthesia blood tests.
And Sophie, you’re not a bad owner. I remember when teeth cleaning wasn’t done and my dogs lived just as long as those who now have regular dental visits. :yes:
Thanks Maunder.
I’ll ask my vet about the blood work, although when he put her under to remove that cyst about 4 years ago, he didn’t do any blood work, and he told me he’d use the same anesthetic for the dental cleaning, just a bit less of it, since she’s such a good dog…just to relax her. But I will ask.
[QUOTE=AzulBlue;6747707]
I unfortunately have a chi with very bad teeth…The build up is SO bad, and her mouth smells rancid…She is 6 yearsold and hasn’t had a dental yet! Here is my trouble: I’m TERRIFIED if I take her in, that I won’t see her again. I know what MUST be done…but can’t seem to pick up the phone to make that appointment. I know this is bad for her, and she has to be uncomfortable…but, i tragically lost her “son” when he was just 11 mos. old He was my heart dog I took him in to get his double canines extracted, and he didn’t come home…It has been 3 years, and I still am in shock…all it was was a routine extraction! I wish i never took him in[/QUOTE]
I would suggest asking for pre-anesthetic bloodwork, usually consisting of a CBC and major/minor panel. Normal bloodwork should give a good indication that anesthesia will go well.
[QUOTE=sophie;6764518]
Thanks Maunder.
I’ll ask my vet about the blood work, although when he put her under to remove that cyst about 4 years ago, he didn’t do any blood work, and he told me he’d use the same anesthetic for the dental cleaning, just a bit less of it, since she’s such a good dog…just to relax her. But I will ask.[/QUOTE]
What anesthetic is he using? Is he going to hand-scale her teeth or does he have an ultrasonic scaler? Is there any monitoring going on while she’s sedated? Does he have a polisher? Is she going to get any pain meds or antibiotics?
I am at a specialty hospital now that does everything under the sun for dentistry patients … bloodwork, IV catheter, pre-med, propofol or ket/val induction, intubation and maintenance with isoflurane, IV fluids, full monitoring (HR, RR, Temp, BP, SpO2) by a trained technician, etc. But the little podunk place I used to work at LEAST did pre-med, IV induction, intubation with isoflurane, and basic monitoring (HR, RR, temp). Plus they required bloodwork on any patient over 10. Your vet’s set up sounds antiquated.
Well, outdated or not, he did a great job and charged me the $200 he’d quoted me when I asked. He kept my dog for a couple hours, and let her “wake up” for an hour before I picked her up.
He said he started without anesthetic but did give her some when he got to her back teeth. He said that she has great, solid teeth, no problems except for tartar build-up.
My almost 14 yo Std poodle now has white teeth and innocuous breath again!
(sorry to hijack your thread, OP)
