Cat needing dental work

[Summernightsinthe21stcentury]

Hi All,

Has anyone's vet recommended dentistry work for their cat?

Mine has said she has lost a tooth, and he recommend that she should have a general anaesthetic to check for any other loose/damaged teeth, and to treat if needed. She is 5 years old.

I was ok with the plan but then my OH said he felt it was too much to put the cat through and she was not showing any signs of distress so it seems unnecessary. So now I have some doubts.

We have insurance so cost is not an issue.

I guess I am just looking for reassurance one way or the other.

TIA!

I would be tempted to let the vet get on with it. Dental issues can make life really difficult for cats as they get older, it’s not nice to see them struggling to eat.

Dentals are pretty routine. Though often not covered by insurance so you might want to check that.

A few of my cats have had dental treatment over the years - extractions, removal of plaque, without any issues afterwards. My insurance (Petplan) covers dental procedures, but not all insurance companies do.

Just because cats aren't showing signs of dental problems doesn't mean there's nothing amiss. In this instance I'd follow the advice of the vet, not my DH, because he's not qualified 😁

I would get a second opinion.
A vet wanted to put my cat under for a dental on the pretext of plaque (all previous checks had been perfect).
I declined, switched cats diet to one which was for dental health. Next check up, different vet. No dental work needed. Three years down the line, teeth are still fine.

Cats often need a dental and usually once in there, the vet discovers more needs doing.

Just because your cat isn't showing distress, it doesn't mean there isn't a problem. Cats are very very good at hiding distress and putting up with things as wandering around looking like you are in pain attracts predators in the wild.

I've had cats for years and they all seem to need a midlife dental at some point. I would do it and she'll keep her quality of life ( no sore mouth)

Thank you everyone! Seems a majority for the treatment.

We are also with Petplan so covered for dental 😀

I did some reading on google after I posted and saw it is more common than I thought.

And of course my husband is not a vet @Clarice99 😂, he is just very attached to the cat!

@Beamur I think this is what he is thinking, maybe we should have someone else look just to be sure, but it sounds like a lot of cats do have this treatment and she does have some patched of redness on her gums. I am embarrassed to say I had not noticed the missing tooth!

Patches of redness would indicate inflammation. I think 5 is quite young to need a dental but maybe get some advice around food and oral hygiene going forward.
Presumably they will do bloods before the operation - maybe ask if it's worth paying for a bit more and check kidney function? Gum disease in young cats can be linked to that too.

Thank you @Beamur
That sounds like good advice!

I thought my cat only had one dodgy tooth. She actually had 6 reabsorption lesions. And must have been in agony. Although she never showed it.

@Toddlerteaplease
Thank you, I think you have made my mind up. I will phone the vet tomorrow!