top of page

Frequently Asked Questions

Multi-Colored Cat

Huh?

Doesn't lower cost mean lower quality?

Not at all! We keep costs down by minimizing overhead—we don’t maintain a full-service facility, extensive equipment, or a comprehensive pharmacy. This allows us to reduce expenses for supplies, space, and staffing without compromising the quality of care your pet receives.

2

Do you accept walk-in appointments?

Unfortunately, we do not accept walk-in appointments. If you’d like to schedule your pet, please call us at (719) 653-7373 for more information.

​

Scheduling in advance allows us to ensure enough time to provide high-quality care and thorough communication for every pet and family.

3

Why are all procedures performed under general anesthesia?

Safe and thorough dental care simply cannot be provided without anesthesia.

 

General anesthesia allows us to:

  • Perform complete oral assessments and cleanings, including under the gumline

  • Take full-mouth x-rays to identify hidden problems

  • Safely perform extractions, closed root planing (guided tissue regeneration), and bonded sealants

  • Keep your pet comfortable and stress-free throughout the procedure

 

While anesthesia-free dentistry may make teeth look clean, painful or infected teeth are often missed and left untreated. Anesthesia ensures we can address all dental issues safely and effectively.

​

For more information, see the American Veterinary Dental College’s stance on anesthesia-free dentistry:
Facts - Anesthesia Free Pet Dental Cleanings - Know the Facts

​

4

How do I know if my pet needs a dental?

One of the easiest signs to notice at home is bad breath—a foul or fishy odor often indicates something unhealthy in the mouth. Other signs may include grumpiness, dropping food, chattering, avoiding head or face pets, panting, or general restlessness.

​

The only way for us to fully assess your pet’s oral health is with an anesthetized dental procedure and full-mouth x-rays. This allows us to identify any hidden issues and provide the care your pet needs.

5

How much does a dental procedure cost?

For a list of common costs, please see our Services page. This list is not all-inclusive, and an in-person estimate will provide the most accurate cost for your pet.

​

Keep in mind that an estimate is just that—an estimate. We won’t know exactly what your pet needs until we complete a full anesthetized exam with full-mouth x-rays on the day of the procedure. Feel free to call us if you’d like to discuss scheduling or have questions about costs!

6

Why is dental care so important?

Dental disease, when left untreated, is painful. Dogs and cats are masters at hiding discomfort—likely an evolutionary self-preservation trait—so signs of pain may not be obvious.

​

Beyond discomfort, dental disease can contribute to serious health issues, including heart disease, chronic inflammation, bone loss, jaw fractures, abscesses, weight loss, behavior changes, and oronasal fistulas (bone loss extending into the nasal passage).

​

Addressing dental disease early and maintaining good oral care throughout your pet’s life can significantly improve their long-term health and quality of life.

Mountain Landscape
bottom of page