Dental
The Importance of Dental Health for Your Pet
Dental health is a crucial part of your pet’s overall well-being and can impact other areas of their body. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year to detect early signs of problems and maintain a healthy mouth.
By age three, over 80% of dogs and cats develop some form of dental disease. Most dental diseases, including periodontal disease, occur under the gumline, making them difficult to detect with a simple visual inspection. Clean teeth do not always mean a healthy mouth! Plaque can turn into tartar below the gumline, leading to infections, damage to tooth roots, and deterioration of supporting bone structures—resulting in pain and discomfort for your pet. Since pets naturally hide pain, it’s essential to be their advocate by prioritizing regular dental check-ups.
Annual Dental Examinations
During your pet’s yearly exam, our trained veterinarians will:
- Examine teeth, gums, and breath
- Identify any signs of discomfort
- Determine if your pet requires a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT)
What is a COHAT?
A COHAT is a procedure performed under general anesthesia by a licensed veterinarian. The process involves:
Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
- A thorough health evaluation
- Review of medications your pet is currently taking
- Screening bloodwork to ensure safe anesthesia
- Development of an individualized anesthetic and pain management plan
Day of the Procedure
- Your pet will stay with us for most of the day
- A morning check-in where we finalize the treatment plan
- A complimentary pre-anesthetic exam to confirm readiness for anesthesia
- Safe administration of anesthesia with tailored pain control measures
During the Procedure
- Continuous anesthesia monitoring, including:
- ECG (heart rhythm), heart rate, and respiratory rate
- Body temperature and pulse oximetry (oxygen levels in the blood)
- Arterial blood pressure and end-tidal CO2
- Full-mouth dental radiographs (X-rays) to assess hidden issues
- A thorough oral exam by the veterinarian
- Ultrasonic scaling above and below the gumline, followed by polishing
- Additional medical care if necessary
Post-Procedure & Pain Management
- A multimodal approach to pain relief, including:
- Local dental nerve blocks
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Take-home pain medications, if needed, for a comfortable recovery
- A complimentary follow-up visit one week after the COHAT to ensure healing and discuss home dental care
Maintaining Your Pet’s Dental Health at Home
After your pet’s procedure, we will provide guidance on at-home dental care and recommend products to keep their mouth healthy. Regular at-home care combined with professional veterinary exams ensures a lifetime of good oral health for your pet!
Schedule your pet’s dental examination today to keep their smile healthy and pain-free!