Veterinary dentist for cats in Kyiv
Looking for a dentist for a cat in Kyiv? Anna Nikolaienko specialises in diagnosing and treating dental and gum disease in cats. Even when in pain, cats may keep eating, so appetite alone is not enough — behaviour changes, gum condition and full dental diagnostics also matter.
Appointments take place at KYIV VET PODIL in Podil. Treatment decisions are based on examining each tooth; during a full COHAT procedure, also on dental radiography.
Why pain in cats is easy to miss
Cats often do not show pain clearly and gradually change their behaviour: they choose softer food, chew on one side or groom less.
So "eating normally" is not a reason to delay an exam. A full oral assessment under anaesthesia with dental radiography can reveal hidden resorption, root lesions, periodontal pockets or pulp disease.
When a cat needs a veterinary dentist
A single sign does not establish a diagnosis, but it can be a reason for an exam. See a veterinary dentist if you notice:
- ✓Unpleasant breath from the mouth
- ✓Gingivitis (red or inflamed gums)
- ✓Hypersalivation (excessive drooling)
- ✓Blood-tinged discharge from the mouth
- ✓Refusing toys, hard treats or dry food
- ✓Reduced appetite
- ✓Reduced or absent grooming
- ✓Preferring to chew on one side
- ✓Facial swelling
- ✓Tooth loss or a mobile tooth
- ✓Avoiding touch around the muzzle
- ✓A visible tooth fracture
Common conditions — distinct diagnoses
Oral inflammation in cats is not a single diagnosis. At appointments we distinguish separate conditions, each with its own treatment approach:
- ✓Gingivitis — gum inflammation, usually associated with bacterial plaque accumulation. At an early stage, inflammation may decrease after plaque removal, professional cleaning and appropriate home care; treatment depends on the cause and tissue condition
- ✓Periodontitis — disease of tissues supporting the tooth, with pockets and bone loss
- ✓Tooth resorption (TR) is a pathology particularly common in cats, in which the hard tissues of the tooth are gradually destroyed. Some changes may be hidden below the gumline
- ✓Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) — a distinct chronic inflammatory disease of the gums and oral mucosa; not every red gum should be called FCGS
- ✓Fractured teeth and pulp disease — require radiographs to assess preservation options
- ✓Retained temporary teeth in kittens — may cause crowding and malocclusion
Why dental radiography is needed during COHAT
In cats, much pathology is hidden below the gumline: resorption (TR), root lesions and bone changes in periodontitis. An initial awake consultation helps assess visible changes and plan further assessment.
Full-mouth dental radiographs are part of a complete COHAT procedure under anaesthesia. They help identify lesions that may require treatment or extraction.
Diagnostics under anaesthesia
A full feline dental assessment follows the COHAT protocol (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment): examination and probing of each tooth, professional cleaning, dental radiography and a treatment plan.
Procedures are done under general anaesthesia with monitoring — allowing safe access to areas that cannot be assessed awake, and pain relief in the same visit when planned.
Treatment and pain control
The treatment plan is individual after diagnostics. Depending on the diagnosis, this may include professional cleaning, periodontal therapy, extractions for resorption or non-restorable lesions, or endodontics for fractured canines.
Pain control is an essential part of the plan before, during and after procedures. The goal is not only to reduce inflammation but to restore comfort when eating and grooming.
Arrange an appointment soon
Arrange a consultation soon if:
- ✓Persistent bad breath
- ✓A loose tooth
- ✓Changes while eating (eating on one side, avoiding hard food)
- ✓A broken canine or other tooth without significant trauma
- ✓Bleeding gums
Contact the clinic immediately
Contact the clinic immediately if:
- ✓Active bleeding that does not stop
- ✓Rapidly increasing facial swelling
- ✓Significant jaw or facial trauma
- ✓Inability to open or close the mouth
- ✓Difficulty breathing
- ✓A sudden marked decline in general condition
Frequently asked questions
Reasons to book an exam include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, drooling, changes in eating or behaviour, reduced grooming, a visible fracture or a loose tooth. Importantly, a cat may keep eating even with chronic pain — so a normal appetite does not rule out dental disease. A clinical exam and, when indicated, full diagnostics under anaesthesia provide the definitive assessment.
Services and specialties
COHAT for cats
Full examination, gum probing and professional cleaning under anaesthesia. COHAT is the foundation of feline dental diagnostics and periodontal disease prevention.
More →Full-mouth dental radiography
Images of all teeth including roots below the gumline. Essential for detecting resorption (TR), hidden fractures and periodontal changes not visible on external exam.
More →Tooth resorption (TR)
A pathology particularly common in cats, in which the hard tissues of the tooth are gradually destroyed. Some changes may be hidden below the gumline, so dental radiographs during the full procedure are needed to determine the type and extent.
More →Gingivitis and periodontitis
Treatment of gum inflammation and tissues supporting the tooth. Periodontal pockets are assessed during the periodontal examination, and dental radiographs help determine bone support loss and the full severity of the disease.
More →Feline chronic gingivostomatitis
Severe chronic inflammation of gums and oral mucosa (FCGS). A distinct diagnosis with its own approach — not every red gum means "stomatitis".
More →Fractured teeth and endodontics
In some cases a fractured canine can be preserved with endodontic treatment and restoration. The decision depends on the root, pulp, periodontal support and diagnostic findings.
More →Kitten dentistry and temporary teeth
Examination of temporary teeth, detection of retained teeth and bite problems. Early intervention helps prevent crowding and issues in adulthood.
More →Related articles
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