
Dental Care
Veterinary Dental Care at Riverside: Safe, Transparent, and Compassionate
We understand that veterinary dental procedures can feel overwhelming—both in complexity and cost. At Riverside, we take a different approach to animal dentistry to ensure our patients are safer, and their owners are better informed every step of the way.
Just like human dentistry, we divide the dental process into two key parts for clarity and precision.
Why Anesthesia Is Essential for Veterinary Dentistry
Unlike human dentistry, where patients can sit still for cleanings and exams, pets require anesthesia for safe and thorough dental care. Anesthesia ensures that:
- Your pet remains completely still, minimizing stress and discomfort.
- We can safely access and examine areas below the gumline, where most dental disease occurs.
- X-rays, probing, and scaling can be performed accurately without causing pain or anxiety.
At Riverside, we use modern anesthesia protocols tailored to your pet’s individual health needs, ensuring the highest standards of safety and comfort.
Part 1: The COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment)
The COHAT is equivalent to the preventive cleanings, probing, and radiography you experience at your bi-annual dentist visits. During this stage, we:
- Perform a thorough cleaning and scaling to remove plaque and tartar.
- Probe and evaluate the gums to check for pockets or signs of disease.
- Take detailed dental X-rays to assess below the gumline and identify potential problems.
Once the COHAT is complete, our team carefully evaluates the X-rays and overall oral health. We’ll discuss our findings with you, start any necessary medications or pain relief, and provide an accurate cost estimate for any further care.
Part 2: Follow-Up Oral Surgery (If Needed)
If oral surgery or additional treatment is required, we’ll book a secondary procedure with the veterinarian. This staged approach ensures we have the most accurate information before proceeding, minimizing risks and maximizing comfort for your pet.
By separating these steps, we prioritize patient safety, improve diagnostic accuracy, and give you a clear understanding of your pet’s oral health needs and costs.
At Riverside, we’re here to partner with you in caring for your pet’s health—every step of the way.