Why examining a conscious pet is only the first step
At a consultation the vet can assess the visible part of the teeth and oral tissues, notice obvious changes and outline a preliminary plan. But that does not give a full picture of the periodontium, tooth roots and surrounding bone.
AAHA notes that visual assessment of a conscious patient can only suggest the presence and severity of periodontal disease. A complete assessment is done after anaesthesia and includes examination of every tooth, probing, mobility checks, radiography and a dental chart.
Why dental radiography is part of complete diagnostics
A large part of the tooth sits below the gums and is not available for direct inspection. Dental radiographs allow assessment of the roots, surrounding alveolar bone and changes that may not show on the visible crown.
That is why AVDC advocates full-mouth intraoral radiography during dental procedures, and AAHA recommends obtaining radiographs of the entire mouth of the anaesthetised patient.
Why COHAT is not just a dental clean
Professional hygiene is an important part of a dental procedure, but on its own it does not answer the key questions: is there bone loss, have pathologic periodontal pockets formed, what is happening at the root, is there resorption, is a damaged tooth viable, and does it need treatment or extraction.
AVDC defines professional dental cleaning as supra- and subgingival removal of plaque and calculus followed by polishing under general anaesthesia. A comprehensive dental assessment is much broader than cleaning alone: it includes diagnostics for every tooth and forming an evidence-based plan.
Why anaesthesia is needed
Quality dental diagnostics require safely examining all tooth surfaces, periodontal probing, subgingival cleaning and correctly positioning the sensor for intraoral dental radiographs.
AAHA and AVDC do not consider removal of visible tartar without anaesthesia equivalent to complete dental care. Without anaesthesia it is not possible to fully carry out radiography, periodontal probing and cleaning of the areas where disease often sits.
More on the approach to anaesthesia in veterinary dentistry — on the dedicated service page.
How the treatment plan is formed
At the initial consultation you can discuss a preliminary plan and an approximate cost range. Final decisions about specific teeth, however, are made after comprehensive assessment under anaesthesia, periodontal examination and dental radiography.
Per AAHA recommendations, an individual treatment plan is formed after objective data are obtained; a full plan and exact cost often cannot be determined before oral assessment and radiographs under anaesthesia.
What COHAT includes in my practice
In my practice COHAT includes comprehensive oral examination under anaesthesia, professional hygiene, periodontal assessment, dental radiography of all teeth, evaluation of every tooth, documentation of findings and formation of the onward treatment plan.
The full protocol contents, cost and how the procedure runs — on the COHAT service page.
When to see a vet
- bad breath, plaque or tartar
- red or bleeding gums
- a broken or discoloured tooth
- loose teeth or discomfort while eating
- suspicion of resorption or other hidden pathology
Frequently asked questions
No. The decision is made only after full diagnostics. If the tooth and surrounding tissues allow it, I consider saving it — periodontal, endodontic, restorative or other treatment when indicated.
A preliminary plan can be discussed at the consultation, but the final scope is formed after examination under anaesthesia, periodontal assessment and dental radiographs.
A complete COHAT includes thorough diagnostics. Without dental radiography the roots and bone cannot be assessed reliably — a tooth that looks clean outside is not always healthy.
There is no single schedule. The interval depends on gum health, plaque, age, breed, bite, concurrent disease and home care — it is set individually after examination.
Sources and professional guidelines
- WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines ↗Глобальні настанови з ветеринарної стоматології
- AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats ↗Клінічні настанови з дентального догляду
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