Dental FAQs

Every pet’s dental needs are unique. Estimates for dental cleanings and X-rays are based on the Ontario Veterinary Fee Guide, but additional procedures may be necessary if dental disease or damage is found.

The condition of each pet’s mouth varies, and costs depend on the complexity of the required treatment. Our team will always discuss any changes to your pet’s treatment plan with you before proceeding.

Dental surgery most often refers to tooth extractions, but may also include mass removal, abscess treatment, or biopsies. These procedures may be simple or complex, depending on the tooth, condition and anatomical area involved.

For advanced procedures — such as periodontal surgery or root canals — we collaborate with board-certified veterinary dentists and Capital City Vet. If you are interested in these services, we can forward your pet’s X-rays for consultation and help schedule the appropriate care.

The timing of dental surgery depends on your pet’s health and the extent of dental work required. In many cases, surgery is performed at the same time as the cleaning and X-rays.

However, if significant extractions or advanced procedures are required, the surgery may be scheduled 4–8 weeks after the initial cleaning. The decision is made at the veterinarian’s discretion, based on your pet’s stability and surgical readiness.

We value transparency when it comes to costs. Our dental surgery estimates are designed with minimal repetition of fees. If a service has already been included in your dental cleaning and X-ray package, it will appear as $0.00 on your surgery estimate.
For example:

• Anesthetic Maintenance begins at 61 minutes because the first 60 minutes are already included in your cleaning and X-ray estimate. This ensures you are only billed for additional time as needed.

Emavert injection is an anti-nauseant administered to all surgical patients during general anesthesia. It reduces the risk of nausea and vomiting during recovery. Because this medication is part of our standard of care, it is automatically included as a non-optional charge in all surgical estimates.

Dental X-rays are a crucial tool in evaluating and completing dental procedures. They are used:

• During the initial cleaning, the dentist identifies hidden problems such as fractured or diseased teeth.
• A post-extraction X-ray may be taken to confirm that all roots have been removed, especially in complex cases involving curved or brittle roots.

This ensures that no painful or damaging issues are left untreated.

Surgery and anesthesia costs are calculated in 10-minute increments.
For example, if we estimate that a procedure may take 30–60 minutes, the estimate will display:

• Low end: 3 units (30 minutes)
• High end: 6 units (60 minutes)

This range provides flexibility, as actual time depends on your pet’s unique needs.

No. Anesthesia maintenance is charged in tiered 10-minute blocks, with costs decreasing the longer the procedure continues:

• 0–30 minutes: highest cost
• 30–60 minutes: slightly reduced cost
• 61 minutes or more: lowest cost

When dental surgery follows a cleaning, the anesthesia is considered a continuation of the same procedure. Therefore, charges begin at the 61+ minute rate rather than restarting at the higher initial tier.

Yes. We provide an initial surgery estimate based on the findings of your pet’s exam. After your pet’s dental cleaning and X-rays, we can provide a more precise estimate if surgery is required.

If surgery can be performed at the same time as the cleaning, we will always seek your approval before proceeding. and discuss any additional costs.

Not always. While we do our best to provide accurate estimates, unforeseen issues may arise during surgery — such as more complex extractions than anticipated — that may affect the final cost.

We are committed to transparent communication and will make every effort to contact you immediately if any unexpected changes to your pet’s care become necessary.