Frequently asked questions

If you've noticed bad breath, tartar, bleeding gums, pain while eating, drooling, loose teeth, a change in tooth colour, swelling or facial trauma — it's best not to put off an examination. I also recommend bringing your pet to a dentist if you suspect a bite problem in a puppy or kitten, or simply for a routine check-up, even when there are no obvious complaints.

Yes, of course. A consultation is useful not only when there's already a problem. At that visit I can examine the mouth, advise what to watch for at home, assess the overall picture and, if needed, draw up a prevention or further treatment plan. No fasting is required before a standard consultation without anaesthesia. The cost of an examination and consultation is 1 250 ₴.

Ideally at around 2–3 months of age, or during their first routine visits to the veterinarian. At that stage we can already assess the bite, tooth eruption and spot any features worth monitoring. An early check-up helps catch problems that would be harder to correct later on.

Pets often mask chronic oral pain and may keep eating while changing how they do it: avoiding hard food, eating on one side, or choosing soft food. A normal appetite does not mean the teeth are not painful. Watch for bad breath, blood-tinged saliva, reduced grooming in cats, or avoiding touch to the muzzle.

No — in an adult pet, a loose tooth is not normal. It often means loss of bone support from periodontal disease or another condition. The tooth may be painful and needs an examination with X-rays — sometimes it can be saved, sometimes extraction is needed.

A persistent temporary tooth may remain if its root has not resorbed as expected or if the permanent tooth has erupted alongside it. This may contribute to crowding, plaque accumulation, soft-tissue trauma or malocclusion. In puppies and kittens, these teeth are often removed when indicated after a bite examination.

Yes — swelling under the eye or above a canine tooth is often linked to dental infection, such as a root abscess. There may be no obvious problem with the tooth from the outside, so an examination and dental X-rays are needed. It's best not to delay a visit.

TR (tooth resorption) is breakdown of tooth structure, mainly in cats. Periodontal disease is inflammation and loss of tissues around the tooth due to plaque and tartar. These are different conditions with different treatment approaches. The exact diagnosis is made after examination and radiographs.

Human toothpastes, rinses, gels and other dental products are not designed for dogs and cats. Some ingredients may be unsafe when swallowed, and xylitol in some products is toxic to dogs. For home care, use only products made for pets or recommended by your vet.

During a standard consultation, the visible crowns, gingiva, oral mucosa, occlusion and tooth position can be assessed. However, comprehensive periodontal probing requires anaesthesia, while dental radiographs are needed to evaluate the roots, bone support and hidden pathology. That's why full diagnostics are done under anaesthesia with dental radiographs — so treatment decisions are based on the full picture.

I understand why owners would prefer a simpler option, but there's an important point: without anaesthesia you can only remove what is visible on the surface. Subgingival deposits, the state of the gums and roots, and hidden problems remain unseen. That's why proper professional hygiene and diagnostics are done under anaesthesia — this provides controlled conditions for comprehensive diagnostics and treatment.

Because far from everything is visible from the outside. A great many dental problems hide under the gumline: root lesions, bone loss, tooth resorption in cats, the after-effects of trauma and other changes. Full-mouth dental radiographs help us see the full picture and make the right decision — what can be saved, and what already needs treatment or extraction.

COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) is a full dental protocol under general anaesthesia: diagnostics and professional hygiene. The base protocol usually includes: an oral examination under anaesthesia; supra- and subgingival cleaning (scaler and AirPolishing); periodontal charting; full-mouth dental radiography; assessment of every tooth; polishing; and a dental chart, photos, radiographs and a PDF report with recommendations. Extractions, endodontics, restorations and other treatments are not included automatically in the base fee: after diagnostics the vet shows findings and agrees the plan and any extra cost. Local dental blocks are used before painful procedures — ask at consultation how they are billed.

Not always. In selected cases, a damaged tooth may be preserved if the pulp, root and periodontal support allow it. Options may include endodontic treatment, vital pulp therapy or restoration. The decision is always individual — after examination and dental radiographs. My job is not to rush to extraction, but first to see whether treatment is possible.

A restoration (filling) rebuilds part of the tooth crown with composite material — when enough tooth structure remains. A crown covers the whole tooth when it is badly weakened after root canal treatment or major damage. The decision is made individually after examination and X-rays.

Comprehensive dental diagnostics and treatment require controlled general anaesthesia with airway protection, monitoring and appropriate pain management. During the procedure we need to examine every tooth carefully, take a full set of dental X-rays, assess the gums, and carry out treatment or extractions. To do this properly and without undue stress for the animal, anaesthesia is needed. I use inhalational anaesthesia with monitoring, and every procedure is carried out with a veterinary anaesthetist present.

The exact fasting time and water access are confirmed individually before the procedure — they depend on age, health status and the anaesthetist's recommendations. It's also helpful to bring previous discharge notes and test results if you have them. If it's only a consultation without anaesthesia — no special preparation is usually required.

Yes — age alone is not a contraindication. What matters far more to me is the pet's overall health. Before anaesthesia we assess the risks, arrange further tests if needed and choose a plan tailored to the identified risks. Very often older pets are exactly the ones who need dental care most, because chronic mouth pain greatly reduces quality of life.

Most often before a planned procedure, blood tests are recommended and, if needed, further investigations depending on age, breed, concurrent disease and the pet's overall condition. I always tailor the exact list individually so we can prepare the patient as safely as possible.

If a procedure under general anaesthesia is planned — yes, fasting is required. The exact fasting time and water access are confirmed individually before the visit — they depend on age, health status and the anaesthetist's recommendations. If it's simply a consultation without anaesthesia, fasting is not required.

The final cost depends on exactly how much treatment your pet needs. After a consultation we can discuss a provisional plan, but an accurate quote is formed only after full clinical diagnostics and dental radiographs, once it's clear what actually needs doing. For orientation: examination and consultation — 1 250 ₴; COHAT: up to 20 kg — 7 500 ₴, over 20 kg — 9 700 ₴; inhalational anaesthesia — 4 500–5 500 ₴ (separate from COHAT). In other words, we don't guess — we work from the real picture in the mouth.

In most cases recovery is uneventful. After waking, it's important to let your pet rest and follow advice on food and home care. If extractions or other procedures were done, I explain in detail how to manage the first days and what to watch for. The recovery plan always depends on the scope of treatment, so the advice will be tailored to your case.

After the procedure you receive a modern electronic PDF report. It gathers key information on oral health, tooth assessments, procedures performed, clinical photos, dental radiographs and home-care recommendations. I also keep an electronic dental history for the patient, so even years later we can review what was done and how the situation has changed.

Appointments take place at KYIV VET PODIL in Kyiv (Kyiv, 15 Nyzhnii Val St (Podil), near Kontraktova Ploshcha metro station). You can book via Telegram (dr_vetstomat) or by phone +38 (073) 723-03-23 — whichever suits you. Schedule: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun — 09:30–18:00 (by appointment).