Updated December 29, 2025
To help you better understand the importance of a COHAT and what to expect, we’ve put together some answers to the most common questions.
What type of dental services do you provide?
We provide a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) that includes tailored anesthesia and monitoring, full-mouth radiographs, ultrasonic scaling and polishing, charting all teeth, day hospitalization/boarding, IV catheterization, simple surgical extractions, oral biopsies, gum treatments, periodontal therapies, and a detailed discharge report. In cases that are extremely complex, we may refer you to a specialist.
How much does a COHAT and dental extractions cost?
Our Veterinary Clinic team will be happy to provide you with a more precise estimate after an initial examination. We sometimes offer perioceutical product applications on a case-by-case basis to improve gum and bone health. These products, such as Periovive, Consil, and Sanos, are charged separately. Medications, extractions, and oral surgery are not included in the standard pricing.
What are Perioceuticals? How can they help my pet?
Perioceutics are advanced dental products that support gum and bone health by slowing the progression of periodontal disease. These treatments work alongside professional dental cleanings to extend their benefits and improve oral health. Here are a few perioceuticals our clinic typically uses:
- Sanos® is a veterinary dental sealant applied after a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) to create a protective barrier along the gumline, preventing plaque and bacterial buildup and slowing the progression of gum disease. Think of this as the fluoride protectant our human dentists use, except this is specifically formulated to be safe for pets!
- Periovive is an antimicrobial gel that reduces bacterial growth and inflammation, supporting gum tissue health and healing.
- Consil® is used in cases of severe periodontal disease or after extractions, as a bone graft substitute, to promote bone regeneration and long-term oral health.
When applicable, our veterinarians may recommend perioceutic treatment for your pet to support their specific dental needs.
Why can’t all extractions be done at the same time as the COHAT?
We often compare a COHAT to a trip to the human dentist; when you go for an annual cleaning, you're likely not getting any teeth pulled in that initial visit. Your dentist will inspect your teeth, perform a cleaning, and assess whether additional treatment is needed. If so, you'll schedule a follow-up appointment, at which point you may have a tooth extracted or a cavity filled. Depending on the findings during your pet’s COHAT, further Staged Oral Surgery may be needed.
Though it may seem inconvenient to make another appointment, our doctors have found that some teeth with borderline extraction needs can heal between the first cleaning and the subsequent visit, thanks to the initial treatment provided during the COHAT. This is why routine dental cleanings are so important for our pets' overall health and wellness.
The benefits of this type of staging include:
- Reverse disease: In some cases, gum healing after the COHAT can spare certain teeth from extraction, saving your pet from additional treatments and saving you money in the long run.
- Perioceutical savior: If selected, the protective layer Sanos® provides can also help save some teeth from extraction, allowing time to assess the impact before deciding.
- Reduced costs: In some cases of periodontal disease, with consistent home care, the disease can resolve after cleaning, eliminating the need for extraction.
- Safer anesthesia: Shorter procedures mean reduced time under anesthesia, which is safer for your pet.
- Smoother Recovery: Staging reduces the stress and discomfort of multiple extractions in one visit. If your pup does need teeth removed in multiple places, a staged approach allows our doctors to focus on one area at a time, allowing your pet time to heal and recover before moving on to the next. (Imagine how you'd feel if you had to have multiple teeth removed all at once! Eating, even soft foods, would be challenging if you've had teeth removed all over your mouth.)
- Better Planning: Our doctors can more accurately plan for the specific extractions and oral surgery needed, always prioritizing treatment that benefits your pet the best!
When should my pet get a COHAT?
Our veterinarians generally recommend that all pets have their teeth examined during puppy visits and at every annual visit. COHATs are recommended yearly and start as early as 1-2 years of age. Plus, the earlier you start familiarizing your pet with dental care (i.e., handling their mouth, examining their teeth, lips, etc.), the easier it will be to continue throughout their long and happy life!
If your pet shows signs of early-stage or advanced gingivitis or periodontal disease, a professional COHAT is required to prevent the disease from progressing.
How do I know if my pet needs dental work?
Common signs that your pet may need a COHAT include consistently bad breath, red or bleeding gums, difficulty eating, constant pawing at the mouth, or yellow/brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth.
Why is anesthesia necessary for a COHAT? Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
Anesthesia ensures our vets can perform a deep and thorough cleaning while keeping your pet safe and pain-free. It allows us to clean below the gum line, where most dental disease occurs, and perform any necessary extractions or treatments without causing unnecessary distress.
At JM Veterinary Clinic, we take extensive precautions to ensure your pet’s safety, especially when undergoing anesthesia. We conduct pre-anesthetic/pre-op bloodwork to assess overall health and diligently monitor your pet throughout the procedure. Most pets recover quickly after their dental procedure; some mild grogginess is normal, and they typically return to their usual selves within 24 hours.
If you have concerns or would like to discuss more, we encourage you to call us at 508-588-5661. Our clinic team is happy to answer your questions!
Can my pet have an anesthesia-free COHAT?
No! The American Veterinary Dental College strongly discourages anesthesia-free COHATs for various reasons. When a pet is awake, these types of COHATs fail to remove plaque and bacteria from under the gumline, leaving periodontal disease virtually untreated. This alternative also requires restraints to keep pets from moving during treatment, which can cause unnecessary stress and pain.
Anesthesia-free COHATs do not allow for comprehensive oral exams and x-rays, which are essential to detecting hidden issues. Ultimately, anesthesia-free dental procedures often lead to higher long-term costs and health risks for your pet’s care.
How long will my pet's dental procedure take?
A Routine COHAT typically takes about 20-45 minutes. Extended COHAT timeframes depend on the complexity of the procedure. As with all surgeries, your pet is carefully monitored throughout the procedure to ensure their comfort and safety. To promote a smooth recovery and minimize time under anesthesia, we schedule Extended COHAT procedures for no more than two hours at a time. Our doctors may recommend a Staged Oral Surgery approach when additional, more extensive treatment is needed.
How can I maintain my pet’s dental health at home?
Brushing your pet’s teeth daily (or as often as possible) with pet-safe toothpaste is the best way to prevent plaque buildup. If you've never brushed your pet's teeth before, don't worry! We've got plenty of resources, like Dr. Page's Guide to Brushing Your Dog's Teeth.
It’s important to gradually get your pet used to having their mouth handled and work up to using a toothbrush. Our step-by-step guide on How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth walks you through making your pet comfortable and cleaning their teeth.
Bones, antlers, and chew toys must be given with caution. We recommend products with the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Seal of Acceptance because they are proven safe and effective for plaque and tartar control. You can find a couple of items, such as the PlaqueOff Chews and Tropiclean Water Additives, in our retail store.
Is it okay to use human toothpaste? Why is pet-specific toothpaste recommended?
No, you should never give your pet toothpaste meant for people, as it may contain ingredients that are unsafe for your pet if swallowed. Some human toothpastes contain high levels of sodium and fluoride, which can harm dogs and cats. Others contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic for dogs! Pet-safe toothpaste is the way to go! We have a variety of different pet-safe toothpaste options available in our Retail Store.
Do you offer affordable dental care options?
We understand your concerns about the cost of veterinary care, and know that pet dental care can be an investment. If you have concerns, our team can discuss available payment options and preventive care plans, such as those offered by Scratchpay or CareCredit.
Schedule Your Pet's Dental Cleaning
If you have any concerns about your pet’s dental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at JM Veterinary Clinic. Give us a call today at 508-588-5661 and press 2 to schedule an appointment at our clinic. Existing clients can also request appointments or contact us through the PetCare app. Take the next step toward keeping your pet happier and healthier throughout every age and stage!