dental care for your pet

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Sometimes known as dental prophylaxis or dental cleaning, a COHAT is a process where we are able to evaluate each tooth individually, and complete a thorough examination of the mouth. Full-mouth radiographs (x-rays) allow your veterinarian to see each tooth from root to tip. This allows our team to assess for pain, infection, abnormalities, and make recommendations for treatment of your pet. Yearly COHAT procedures will help keep your pet's mouth healthy and pain-free!

Your pet will receive a complete physical examination and pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your pet is a good candidate for anesthesia. Any underlying conditions encountered may require postponement of the procedure and further diagnostics or treatment before anesthesia can be performed. We strive to provide the highest quality, safe anesthetic event for each patient and these pre-liminary examinations allow us to continue to do so.

Your pet will be placed under anesthesia for the duration of the COHAT procedure. Each patient will have a dedicated associate monitoring all vitals at all times. An IV catheter will be placed to allow administration of IV fluids to maintain blood pressure and internal organ support while anesthetized. Your pet will have a shaved area from the site of placement of this IV catheter, but do not worry, the hair should regrow over the next several weeks.

Dental radiographs will be completed and your veterinarian will interpret the images and determine a plan for any affected teeth observed. You will be contacted with this plan before proceeding, so please be sure to be available by phone on the day of your pet's procedure!

The teeth will be scaled and polished, any affected teeth will be extracted. The most common reasons for extraction include presence of infection, fracture, loose teeth, or evidence of bone loss. The extraction sites will be closed using absorbable suture. All extractions will have post-extraction radiographs taken to ensure complete removal of the tooth. Finally, a sealant will be applied that helps prevent plaque accumulation under the gumline for up to 6 months.

Your pet will receive pain medication before waking up from anesthesia. We will also send home pain medication for you to begin the following day to ensure healing from the procedure is as pain-free as possible. Some patients will also be sent home antibiotics depending on the severity of their dental disease. Please read all medication labels carefully and follow the instructions of your veterinarian. 

We will recommend softened food for 3-5 days after the procedure which makes eating more comfortable for your pet.