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What it is
The problem you can't see until it hurts
Periodontal disease affects 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over 3 years old. In most cases it progresses silently — no obvious symptoms, the animal keeps eating normally — until the damage is already well established.
The bacteria that accumulate below the gum line do not only destroy alveolar bone. Over time they enter the bloodstream and can affect the heart, kidneys and liver. Oral health is not a cosmetic issue — it is preventive medicine.
At Rovira Veterinary Clinic, in Gràcia, Barcelona, we perform the COHAT (Complete Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) under anaesthesia — the only protocol that allows your pet's mouth to be properly assessed and treated.
Do you recognise any of these signs in your pet?
If the answer is yes, there is likely dental disease worth assessing.
Disease progression
The four stages of periodontal disease
Healthy teeth
Pink, firm gums, no visible tartar, no inflammation. The goal of prevention.
Gingivitis
Gum inflammation without bone loss yet. Reversible with a thorough professional clean.
Moderate periodontitis
Early alveolar bone loss. Requires active periodontal treatment.
Advanced periodontitis
Severe bone loss. Some teeth may need extraction to eliminate the source of infection.
The procedure
What COHAT includes
Diagnosis
Full oral assessment under anaesthesia
The only way to examine each tooth correctly: periodontal probing, mobility, resorptive lesions and soft tissue condition.
Imaging
Intraoral dental X-rays
60% of the tooth structure lies below the gum line and cannot be seen with the naked eye. X-rays reveal the true state of the bone and roots.
Treatment
Scaling & periodontal treatment
Removal of supra- and sub-gingival tartar, root planing in affected areas, polishing and fluoride application.
How we work
From consultation to dental discharge
A dental procedure is not a quick clean. It is a complete clinical process that begins with a prior assessment and ends with home-care instructions.
In Gràcia, Barcelona, before any dental procedure under anaesthesia we run pre-operative blood tests and explain to you exactly what will be done and what to expect.
- 1 Oral examination in consultation and dental assessment
- 2 Procedure planning and owner briefing
- 3 Pre-operative blood tests to confirm anaesthetic fitness
- 4 COHAT under anaesthesia with continuous monitoring
- 5 Intraoral X-rays of all teeth
- 6 Periodontal treatment and extractions where needed
- 7 Discharge with hygiene instructions and follow-up schedule
Frequently asked questions
What people ask us most about dentistry
Why does dental cleaning have to be done under anaesthesia?
Because it is the only way to do it properly. Without anaesthesia it is impossible to perform periodontal probing, explore below the gum line, take intraoral X-rays or correctly treat affected areas. "Anaesthesia-free" cleanings only remove visible tartar and do not address the real disease.
How often should my pet have a dental clean?
It depends on the animal. Some small breeds (Yorkshire, Chihuahua, Bichon) are very prone to tartar and may need annual cleans from age 2–3. In other cases every 2–3 years may be sufficient. Home maintenance (brushing or dental chews) makes a significant difference.
Is anaesthesia dangerous for my pet?
Anaesthetic risk exists but is very low when proper protocols are followed. We carry out pre-operative blood tests in every case and monitor the patient continuously throughout the procedure. In healthy animals the risk is minimal and always lower than the risk of leaving dental disease untreated.
What can I do at home to keep my pet's mouth healthy?
Daily brushing with veterinary toothpaste is the most effective option. If the animal won't tolerate it, dental chews, water additives or dental toys are reasonable alternatives. Nothing replaces a professional clean once tartar has built up, but home maintenance significantly extends the time between cleans.
When was your pet's last dental check?
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