Specialty Oral Care For Your Pet
Located on the VRCC campus, Apex Dog and Cat Dentistry is a progressive dentistry and oral surgery center that provides compassionate oral care for our veterinary patients.
They have one of the few board-certified veterinary dental specialists and oral surgeons in the United States on their team and their highly trained staff are dedicated to working closely with both the pet guardian and family veterinarian.
At the surgery center, you'll find a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere - pets love to curl up on the cushy chairs. The exam room also offers great ideas for planning your pet’s oral home care.
The surgical suite is similar to a human dental office, with much of the same equipment including high-speed dental units, digital dental radiography units, and leading-edge anesthesia monitoring and delivery equipment.
Board-Certified Veterinary Dental Specialists
Board-certified veterinary dentists have completed a doctorate in veterinary medicine and surgery (a 4-year medical degree) after attending college, then completing a residency training program in veterinary dentistry under the direct supervision of a Diplomate Residency Director.
Treating Dental Diseases in Cats & Dogs
Companion and performance animals often suffer from oral and dental diseases. One of the most common clinical conditions in companion animals is periodontal (gum) disease. The condition can cause bad breath, behavioral changes such as reduced appetite, and pain in the mouth. It may also impact distant organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Along with periodontal disease, many other abnormalities can affect the teeth and mouth, such as oral tumors, orthodontic compromise, and broken teeth. Our in-house board-certified veterinary dentist brings extensive experience in treating dental conditions in pets.
What to Expect at Your Pet’s Appointment
Knowing what you can expect during your pet's dental appointment will make your visit smoother and reduce stress for both you and your pet.
- Examination & Consultation
The first appointment is normally an examination and consultation. At this time, your pet’s medical history, medical records, a list of current medications, and any pertinent dental X-rays are reviewed.
Please bring your pet's medical records so we have all the necessary information. If your pet requires a more immediate procedure or if you traveling a distance to reach us, procedures can be arranged for the same day of the consultation.
- Discuss Treatment Options A physical examination and detailed oral assessment will be done. Since client education is very important to us, treatment options will be fully discussed and any questions will be answered. A treatment plan will be provided at the time of the consultation.
- Pre-Anesthetic Testing If anesthesia is involved with the treatment, recommended pre-anesthetic testing will be discussed. We work alongside our other specialists in cardiology, internal medicine, and anesthesia when needed to address any anesthetic concerns.
- Preparation & Dentistry Form
Pets scheduled for a procedure should not eat after 10:00 pm the night before the procedure but may have water until they arrive at VRCC. Give all scheduled medications on the morning of the procedure (unless your pet is diabetic or otherwise instructed).
Download and fill out the Dentistry Intake form and bring it with you to your appointment.
- Procedure On the day that your pet is scheduled for a procedure, drop-off times are arranged in the morning. Plan on having your pet stay with us for the day. Most of our patients go home the same day of the procedure in the afternoon.
- Overnight Care If overnight care is required, pets stay at the main building of VRCC where they can receive 24-hour personalized supportive care and pain control if necessary.
Oral Surgery & Dental Services
The team at Apex Dog and Cat Dentistry at VRCC provide specialized dental care for patients from throughout Englewood, Denver Metro, and the surrounding areas. We can perform the following dental services for your pet:
- Annual Dental Exam
- Anesthesia & Pain Management
- Intraoral Regional & Local Nerve Blocks
- Intraoral Radiography (Dental X-Rays)
- High Definition Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
- Periodontics (Teeth Cleaning & Periodontal Therapy, Advanced Periodontal Treatment, Oravet Tooth Sealant Placement)
- Oral Surgery (Extractions, Jaw Fracture Repair, Cleft Palate Repair, Gingivectomy/Gingivoplasty)
- Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy, Vital Pulp Therapy)
- Juvenile Treatments & Orthodontic Repositioning Therapy (Operculectomy, Crown Height Reduction & Extensions, Braces & Elastics, Inclined Plane Bite Plate)
- Restorative & Prosthodontics (Dental Sealants, Composite Restoration, Crown or Cap Placement)
- Feline Omega Interferon (Virbagen™) Placement
- Genetic Counseling
- Recommendations for Oral Health Care at Home