Dentistry

Veterinary Assistant


Description

Healthy teeth mean a healthier, happier cat. Dental disease is extremely common in cats, yet they are experts at hiding pain. Significant dental problems can develop before you notice anything is wrong.

Cat Dental Health: Did You Know?

Cheshire Cat Clinic is incredibly lucky to have Kassandra on our team! She plays a pivotal role in keeping our busy days running smoothly—balancing the many moving parts, triaging throughout the day, and helping ensure that patients, clients, and our team stay on track. Her ability to jump in wherever she is needed and keep the flow of the day moving makes her an invaluable part of our clinic family. We truly couldn’t do it without her!

  • Most cats have some degree of dental disease by age 3, making early prevention and routine dental care especially important.
  • Cats often hide dental pain. A cat may continue eating normally even when painful dental disease is present.
  • Bad breath is not “just normal for cats.” It can be a sign of periodontal disease or other oral health problems.
  • Much of dental disease occurs below the gumline. Dental X-rays allow us to find painful problems that cannot be seen during a routine exam.
  • Tooth resorption is common in cats and can be extremely painful. Affected teeth often require extraction to relieve discomfort.
  • Regular dental exams help us detect problems early and address them before they lead to chronic pain, tooth loss, difficulty eating, or a decreased quality of life.

    What Is Periodontal Disease?

    Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that damages the tissues supporting the teeth. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing pain, tooth loss, and more extensive—and often more costly—dental treatment.

    COHAT & Dental Costs

    Every cat’s dental needs are different. Your veterinarian will first perform an $105 examination to assess your cat’s oral health and discuss recommendations.

    As a general guideline:

  • Routine COHAT/dental cleaning: Starting around $950
  • Extractions: Approximately $175 per tooth
  • Pre-anesthetic blood work: $250–$350, depending on age and recommended testing
  • A COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) includes a thorough oral examination, professional dental cleaning, polishing, and dental X-rays to identify problems below the gumline that cannot be seen during a routine exam.

    Don’t wait for your cat to show signs of dental pain—by then, the disease may already be advanced.