Dental care: recognise and treat silent pain
Cats don't complain. An inflamed mouth or painful tooth often goes unnoticed until things are bad. At SAZ we have the experience and the equipment to catch dental issues early and treat them effectively, including dental X-ray.
Why dental care matters
Silent pain
Cats hide pain. Tartar, inflamed gums or a broken tooth can go unnoticed for months.
Body-wide consequences
A chronically inflamed mouth can lead to kidney, liver and heart issues. Oral health = body health.
Eating and behaviour issues
Bad breath, drooling, one-sided chewing or refusing food are often dental signals, not just age.
What we do
SAZ is equipped for specialist-level dental care. We work under gas anaesthesia (safer than injectable anaesthesia, especially for older cats) and use dental X-ray to see what's under the gum line. That's essential: more than half of feline dental issues are only visible on X-ray.
Dental check-up
Full inspection of all 30 teeth, gums and oral cavity. Under anaesthesia, because otherwise we can't look safely and thoroughly.
Tartar removal
Ultrasonic cleaning of all elements, followed by polishing. Prevents further inflammation.
Dental X-ray
At least 2 shots per jaw side. Reveals root problems, FORL (resorptive lesions) and hidden damage.
Extractions
Affected teeth are skilfully removed. Cats function perfectly well without some teeth.
Signs to watch for
If your cat shows one or more of these signs, a dental check-up is wise:
- Bad breath (foetor ex ore)
- Drooling or saliva around the mouth
- No longer chewing kibble, only wanting wet food
- One-sided chewing or "head shaking" while eating
- Pawing at one side of the face
- Change in character: withdrawal, irritability
- Visible yellow-brown tartar or red edges along the gums
How the treatment works
Request
You request a dental appointment via the form. We'll call briefly to discuss the situation.
Pre-examination
Physical exam + blood work (especially for older cats) to determine if anaesthesia is safe.
Treatment day
Under gas anaesthesia: full inspection, X-ray, cleaning and any extractions. Usually within one day.
Aftercare
Home with pain relief if needed + recovery advice. We call after 1 week for follow-up.
What does it cost?
A dental treatment isn't a small expense, but much cheaper than a regular vet because SAZ operates as a foundation. For the low-income group we offer reduced rates. We always give an estimate after the physical examination.
Suspect dental problems?
Request an appointment for a dental check-up or treatment. In doubt? You can also contact us first. We'll think along.