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 1 050 ₴.

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.

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 — so the care is thorough, safe and genuinely useful for your pet's health.

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; in Ukrainian — КОХАТ) is not simply a 'dental clean' — it is a full dental protocol under anaesthesia. It usually includes: an oral examination under anaesthesia; professional hygiene (scaler and Air Flow); periodontal charting; full-mouth dental radiography; assessment of every tooth individually; treatment as indicated; polishing; and a dental chart, photos, radiographs and a PDF report with recommendations. The final treatment plan is always formed after complete diagnostics, once the real condition of every tooth is clear.

Not always. In many cases a tooth can be saved if the root and surrounding tissues 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.

Because that's the only way to deliver truly thorough and safe dentistry. 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.

Before a procedure under anaesthesia, fasting for 8–12 hours is usually needed. We agree water instructions individually, depending on the patient's age and specifics. 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 the safest plan. 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 anaesthesia is planned — yes, fasting for 8–12 hours without food is usually needed. For water, I give individual advice when we plan the visit. 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 — 1 050 ₴; 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 treatment 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), Kontraktova Square metro). You can book via Telegram (dr_vetstomat) or by phone +38 (073) 723-03-23 — whichever suits you. Schedule: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat — by appointment.