Dental Treatments in Dogs and Cats

By Dr. Veronica Caimi, veterinary dental specialist at VetTrust, board member of the Swiss Veterinary Dental Association and trainer for veterinary dental assistants (TDA)

Many pet owners still underestimate the importance of regular dental check-ups for their pets. Oral health plays a crucial role in general well-being and overall animal health. Dental pain in dogs and cats often goes unnoticed but can significantly impact quality of life. Every tooth matters - for eating, chewing, and grooming.

Dental checks are important even in puppies and kittens - for correct tooth alignment, missing or retained baby teeth. At 5 - 6 months, the adult dentition is checked for completeness and position.

Especially in small dog breeds, professional cleaning may be needed early in life – always under anesthesia. Only then can each tooth be thoroughly cleaned and examined with periodontal probes. Often, it is not the crown but the periodontal structures that are affected. Further diagnostics are done via dental X-ray or CT to plan accurate treatment.

Fractures, enamel or rare carious defects can often be treated with pulp capping, root canals or fillings.

Root canal therapy can preserve even broken or dead teeth - pain-free, functional, and stable. This is particularly important for large teeth like canines or carnassials used for grasping, chewing, and holding.

Animals suffer silently. It’s our duty to examine carefully and act responsibly - deciding when to save or remove a tooth. Cosmetic procedures are not recommended. Neglecting dental health is, in fact, considered animal cruelty.

We also advise you on home dental care. Ask your practice team about our dental hygiene consultations run by specially trained dental assistants.