Oral health in dogs and cats
Healthy teeth are an important part of the overall health and well-being of dogs and cats.
Unfortunately, dental diseases often go unnoticed for a long time, as many animals are
good at hiding pain. By the time a dog or cat stops eating due to toothache, the problem
is usually already very advanced. Regular prophylaxis and timely treatment are therefore
crucial.
Prevention is the best protection
Plaque and tartar can form even at a young age. Without treatment, this leads to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and later to periodontitis.
Resorptive lesions (formerly known as FORL) are among the most common and painful dental diseases in cats. In this condition, the tooth substance is gradually broken down by the body, usually starting in the area of the tooth root or between root and crown. The affected teeth often appear normal on the outside but cause severe pain. A reliable diagnosis is only possible with dental X-rays. The only permanent treatment is complete removal of the affected teeth. Cats usually cope very well with missing teeth ā much better than with chronic toothache.
Regular dental check-ups at the vet, suitable food, chews, and (ideally daily) tooth brushing help to prevent dental disease.
Dental procedure
Professional dental procedures are always performed under general anesthesia, as this is the only way to ensure thorough and pain-free treatment.
Our procedure includes:
- Clinical examination, including blood tests before anesthesia, plus a discussion of the procedure and a rough cost estimate (unfortunately, we are unable to predict the exact price in advance, as the extent of the procedure only becomes clear during anesthesia)
- High-level anesthesia management with venous catheter, intubation, infusion, prevention of hypothermia via Bair-Hugger (secure air-warming device), monitoring of various parameters (SpO2, etCO2, ECG, blood pressure, temperature, etc.) throughout the entire duration of anesthesia, modern pain management tailored to the individual patient and procedure, precisely controllable inhalation anesthesia, and documentation in an anesthesia log.
- Thorough examination of the teeth and dental X-rays to detect hidden problems under the gums or at the tooth roots.
- Removal of tartar above and below the gum line
- Subsequent polishing of the teeth
- If necessary, extraction of diseased teeth under additional local anesthesia and subsequent wound closure with self-dissolving sutures
- Well-monitored recovery phaseāno patient is sent home while still asleep!
- When the patient is picked up, everything is discussed in detail once again and, if necessary, medication for home use is provided
- A check-up in the first few days after the procedure is included in our treatment price
What happens if dental problems are ignored?
Untreated dental diseases can lead to severe pain, tooth loss, purulent inflammation, and abscesses. Bacteria from the mouth can also damage internal organ such as the heart or kidneys via the bloodstream. Many animals suffer in silence but often show significantly more quality of life after dental treatment.
Owners of older animals in particular are often unsure whether anesthesia is still possibleāwith appropriate anesthesia management, good monitoring, and appropriate preoperative examinations, the risk of anesthesia is very low, even for seniors or patients with heart problems or other pre-existing conditions. Especially in older animals, the positive effect of well-performed dental restoration on quality of life is enormous! So please don’t be put off in advance but simply talk to us if you have any concerns.
Our conclusion
Dental health means quality of life. Regular check-ups and timely treatment protect your pet from pain and serious secondary diseases. We are happy to advise you individually on dental care and prophylaxis for your four-legged friend.
