Dental FAQs

We are pleased to offer the services of Dr. Molly Angel, a Board Certified Veterinary Dentist TM . Dr. Molly is both a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College and a Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry. She practices at Michigan Animal Dental Specialists, adjoining Goodison Veterinary Center, where she provides exemplary care for Goodison Veterinary Center patients and referral patients alike.


WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?

Dr. Molly's medical and surgical training in companion animal dentistry encompasses a wide variety of current veterinary dental care approaches. Her knowledge and skill are supported by technology including digital dental radiography and specialized instrumentation allowing for a variety of procedures. She performs routine prophylaxis (comprehensive oral examination, scaling, polishing, and fluoride application), simple and surgical extractions, periodontal therapy, endodontics (such as root canals), orthodontic treatment planning, prosthodontic crown therapy, trauma and jaw fracture management, oral cancer treatment and planning, and other complicated oral surgeries. Dr. Molly welcomes difficult cases and is pleased to provide second opinions, so don't hesitate to seek her advice. We know that optimal dental care can enhance your pet's quality of life.


WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT TEETH?

Dental disease in pets is common, yet frequently undiagnosed and/or untreated, affecting about 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by three years of age. We need to do better for our pets because:

  • Dental disease can be severely painful to your pet. Tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease all HURT!
  • Dental disease can lead to tooth loss.
  • Gingivitis allows bacteria into your pet's bloodstream which can lead to chronic problems affecting vital organs such as heart, liver, kidneys, and brain.
  • Oral problems can negatively affect your pet's immune system.
  • Serious to life-threatening complications can develop from untreated dental disease. This can include infection (sometimes progressing to serious bone infection), oronasal fistula (hole from mouth into nasal passage), and jaw fracture to name a few.
  • Healthy teeth and gums mean better breath.

After a dental, the number of clients who comment that their pet is behaving like a youngster again is absolutely astounding. This is because of improved overall health and relief from chronic pain.


HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PET HAS A DENTAL PROBLEM?

Schedule an appointment for an oral exam with your veterinarian. He or she is a trained professional and can spot problems that may not be apparent to the casual observer, even if you are an attentive owner. Keep in mind, however, that approximately 50% of dental disease is below the gum line and not visible to the naked eye. In addition, not all pets will tolerate a thorough oral evaluation. Based on exam results, further evaluation may be advised (i.e. dental with oral exam under anesthesia including digital dental radiographs). You can also check for these possible warning signs:

  • Bad breath
  • Brown or otherwise discolored teeth
  • Red gums
  • Loose teeth or missing teeth
  • Broken teeth
  • Baby teeth that never fell out
  • Bleeding or discharge from the mouth
  • Nasal problems
  • Facial swelling
  • Gum growths
  • Trouble eating*
    *Please note that pets in pain from mouth disease, even if the pain is SEVERE, will RARELY have trouble eating so do not wait until you see this sign to seek help.


WHY IS DIGITAL DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY SO IMPORTANT?

We've gone digital! In an effort to provide the most up-to-date patient care, the Goodison Veterinary Center transitioned from traditional film-type x-rays to digital x-rays. Since making the switch back in 2008, we have been overwhelmed by the positive results and our technology just keeps getting better and better. Digital radiography (i.e. digital x-ray) provides clearer, faster images with many other advantages.

Expanding on this digital success, we have also implemented a digital dental x-ray system. This is helping us better diagnose and treat dental disease in cats and dogs. As mentioned above, 50% of dental disease is below the gum line and not visible to the naked eye. This means that if radiographs are not evaluated where indicated, your pet is not receiving the best care! Here at the Goodison Veterinary Center, we always strive to provide the best, and therefore find that digital dental radiography is an essential part of dental practice. Radiographs are performed under anesthesia, are noninvasive, and images are available for review within seconds.


WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I SCHEDULE MY PET FOR A DENTAL?

A staff member of the Goodison Veterinary Center or Michigan Animal Dental Specialists will call you the night before your scheduled appointment to confirm details pertaining to your visit and discuss specific instructions, such as fasting (we generally advise no food after midnight but this may vary due to individualized patient care so always follow the instructions you were given). The morning of the procedure, you will meet with Dr. Molly at Michigan Animal Dental Specialists (adjoining Goodison Veterinary Center) and she will perform a thorough oral examination, address your specific questions or concerns, provide a written estimate of cost, and have you fill out a consent and contact information form. She will then admit your pet for any recommended pre-anesthetic evaluation (this will be discussed with you based on your pet's health and might include blood work or other diagnostics). The dental procedure will follow and is performed under general anesthesia that is specifically tailored to minimize risk, with pain management an essential component of care for every patient. Most patients have recovered from anesthesia and are ready for hospital discharge by mid-afternoon. Communication with you, both orally and in writing, will ensure that you understand the care your pet received and what is necessary to optimize his or her recovery and future oral health.

For additional information, you may also find our surgical FAQs helpful.


WHAT CAN I DO TO PROVIDE DENTAL CARE AT HOME?

We love this question and we applaud you for asking! If your pet had a dental, a Michigan Animal Dental Specialists team member will discuss this with you at the time of hospital discharge. Otherwise, you may find our dental home care recommendations helpful. We would also be happy to discuss this with you directly, so don't hesitate to call if you have any further questions.


HOW CAN I SCHEDULE MY PET FOR A DENTAL PROCEDURE WITH DR. MOLLY?

Please contact Michigan Animal Dental Specialists directly. Their team looks forward to speaking with you!

Hours

Monday

9 am - 6 pm

Tuesday

9 am - 6 pm

Wednesday

9 am - 6 pm

Thursday

9 am - 6 pm

Friday

9 am - 5 pm

Saturday

9 am - 1 pm

Sunday

Closed

Monday
9 am - 6 pm
Tuesday
9 am - 6 pm
Wednesday
9 am - 6 pm
Thursday
9 am - 6 pm
Friday
9 am - 5 pm
Saturday
9 am - 1 pm
Sunday
Closed