Pet Dentistry 

Keeping your pet’s mouth healthy is one of the most important parts of their overall wellbeing. Pets develop dental disease just like humans do, but unlike us, they can’t brush their own teeth or tell us when something hurts. In fact, many pets continue eating even with severe dental pain.

This page explains what dental disease is, how to prevent it, what happens during a professional dental procedure (COHAT), and what it may cost so you know exactly what to expect.

What is dental disease?

Dental disease starts with plaque, a mixture of bacteria, saliva and food particles. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which sits above and below the gumline. Over time this leads to periodontal disease - a painful condition that damages the gums, tooth roots and jawbone.

  • Dental disease can cause:
  • Yellow or brown tartar
  • Red, inflamed gums
  • Bad breath
  • Dropping food or chewing differently
  • Drooling or pawing at the mouth
  • Pain or bleeding when touched

Some pets show no obvious signs, even with advanced disease. Eating does not mean they are pain-free.

If you notice any concerns, please book a dental consultation.

Preventing Dental Disease

Prevention is always better than cure. Good home care includes:

Daily Tooth Brushing

The gold standard. Use pet-safe toothpaste only—never human toothpaste.

Dental Chews & Toys

Enzymatic chews, dental toys and approved treats can help reduce plaque build-up.

 

Dental Diets

Some prescription and dental foods are designed to reduce tartar formation.

What happens during a professional dental procedure (COHAT)? 

A veterinary dental procedure is officially called a COHAT - Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment. It is far more than a simple “clean and polish.”

Because pets cannot hold still or open wide for long periods, general anaesthesia is essential. This allows us to safely assess every part of the mouth and treat hidden disease.

1. Pre-Anaesthetic Check

Your pet receives a full physical exam and recommended blood tests to ensure anaesthesia is as safe as possible.

2. Sedation & Anaesthesia

A gentle sedative, IV catheter, oxygen pre-oxygenation, and general anaesthetic keep your pet relaxed and pain-free.
Your pet is continuously monitored by a qualified veterinary nurse throughout.

3. Full Mouth Assessment

Once asleep, we examine every tooth, gum surface and oral structure.

4. Dental X-rays

Most dental disease hides under the gumline. Radiographs reveal problems like root infections, fractures, and bone loss that cannot be seen on the surface.

5. Cleaning & Polishing

We scale above and below the gumline, then polish each tooth to slow future plaque build-up.

6. Treatment of Dental Disease

If diseased, painful or loose teeth are found, extractions or surgical treatment may be required.
Local anaesthetic nerve blocks keep your pet comfortable during and after the procedure.

If extensive disease is present, treatment may be staged over two anaesthetics to keep each procedure under three hours and ensure your pet’s safety.

7. Recovery

Your pet wakes up in warm, comfortable monitoring. Most go home the same day, often noticeably brighter and more comfortable now that hidden pain has been addressed.

Dentistry Pricing - What to expect: 

Dental Consultation

Your vet will examine your pet’s teeth as thoroughly as your pet allows and advise if a dental procedure is needed.

Scale, Polish & Full Mouth Assessment

A professional descale, polish and dental radiographs under anaesthetic costs approximately $850
(or $950 including optional pre-anaesthetic blood testing).

This includes:

  • Charting of every tooth
  • Full mouth X-rays
  • Complete oral health examination
  • Full scale and polish

If Extractions Are Needed

If dental X-rays reveal hidden disease requiring extraction, we will call you during the procedure to discuss findings and treatment options.

We do not proceed without your consent, so please ensure you’re contactable on the day.

Estimated Total Costs: 

  • Mild–Moderate dental disease: usually $1,500–$2,000
  • Severe disease: may be higher
  • Full mouth extraction: capped at $3,000, and may be split across two anaesthetics for safety

 

Healthy Teeth, Happier Pets

Most pets feel dramatically better after a COHAT - many owners tell us their pet seems years younger once painful dental problems are resolved.

If you’d like your pet’s teeth checked or need more information about dental care, our team is always here to help.