Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Why is a dental specialist needed and what is the difference?

Here are some questions and answers that we are frequently asked. If you have additional questions that aren't covered here, please feel free to give us a call at 920-233-8409 or 888-598-6684.


1. What are the Animal Dental Center's hours?

Our hospital is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. The Animal Dental Center is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

2. Do I need to have an appointment and how do I get there?

Yes, consultations and procedures are scheduled by appointment for Milwaukee
and for Oshkosh.  Maps for these locations may also be found at these links.

3. Do I need to take my pet to a specialist?

Dr. Kressin has a tremendous focus on veterinary dental and oral surgical needs for animals.  He also enjoys working with owners, their pets and primary care veterinarians.  He also enjoys speaking and teaching others about his specialty as well as pain management.

It is an opportunity to have a board certified veterinary dentist available
for your pet.  Your veterinarian cannot be expected to be able to address
every aspect of health care for your companions.  The dental equipment, special supplies, extensive post graduate training and experience require tremendous
time, effort and resources.  Our "team approach" to dentistry and oral surgery 
allows us to work along side of your veterinarian and to complement their efforts
and resources.  This team effort allows for optimal patient care.  Dr. Kressin has
the training, equipment and experience to help your pet and compliment your
family veterinarian's services.  As a board certified specialist, Dr. Kressin will
provide highe value services for your pet.


4. Who will perform surgery on my pet?

Dr. Kressin or another board certified veterinary dentist will perform the surgery.


 5. What is the difference between a board certified veterinary dentist and someone in a residency or one that has finished a residency? 

A board certified veterinary dentist has successfully passed a rigorous 3-day exam which includes the performance of surgical procedures.  Board certification is required to be called a specialist according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the governing body of the veterinary profession.  Residency programs are designed to train individuals to complete the credential requirements.  The resident must have their credentials evaluated and accepted by the American Veterinary Dental College, before they are allowed to take the certification exam.  The resident may not call themselves a specialist or imply they are a specialist.  If you have questions regarding qualifications of a veterinarian as a specialist, you may activate this link for certification as a veterinary dentist.


6. What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa and CareCredit are accepted by the Animal Dental Center Milwaukee/Oshkosh.

7. Can I make payments?

Yes, you can make payments using CareCredit.  Payment is required at the time of service, however we accept CareCredit, a service that arranges payment plans for you.

8. What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?

This is a blood test performed at your veterinarian's office or at ours, the morning of the scheduled procedure, prior to surgery. It tests the organ functions, blood counts and clotting function of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to help assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.

9. Will my pet be in pain after the procedure(s)?

The Animal Dental Center employs balanced anesthesia to minimize or avoid discomfort for your pet.  Dr. Kressin has a passion for pain management.  In most cases your pet will recover rapidly and return to normal activity within 1-3 days.
Please be sure to follow our written instructions when your pet returns home.

10. How long do the sutures stay in after my pet's surgery?

Absorbable sutures are typically used in oral surgery.  These sutures remain visable for two to three weeks and subsequently dissolve or resorb.  In some surgeries for patients with cancer, non-absorbable sutures may be used.  In these cases, the sutures are removed in 14 days following the surgery.

11. What should I do to protect my pets dental and oral health?

It is very important to be your pet's best advocate.  You are the most important part of the team.  Regular teeth brushing is needed for many reasons.  Teeth brushing allows you to help prevent periodontal disease and to recognize potential problems.

Pets count on you to get help for problems.  Your primary care veterinarian provides professional services in a team effort with Dr. Kressin.  This team can provide from very basic services to virtually every service your family dentist offers for you AND even more.

12. Additional questions?

You may look for more surgical information or for additional specific information
from our VIN database.