Expert Pet Dental Care in Newtown Square, PA
NSVH offers comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT) for dogs and cats — including digital dental X-rays and advanced surgical extractions. Dr. DiGiacomo holds specialized training from the International Veterinary Dentistry Institute.
Call to Schedule a Dental Consultation: 484-427-7598
Why NSVH for Dental Care?
Veterinary dentistry is where training and equipment make the biggest difference. Here’s what sets NSVH apart.
Digital Dental X-Ray
State-of-the-art imaging detects oral disease before your pet shows any pain. Most primary-care practices don’t have dedicated dental radiography equipment — NSVH does.
Dr. DiGiacomo’s Advanced Training
Dr. DiGiacomo trained with the International Veterinary Dentistry Institute in oral nerve blocks and advanced surgical extraction. This is not a standard dental-cleaning operation.
Dedicated Anesthetic Monitoring
A technician is assigned exclusively to your pet’s anesthesia before, during, and after every dental procedure. The question every owner asks — “who is watching my pet?” — is answered directly by our protocol.
What a Dental Procedure Looks Like at NSVH
A professional dental at NSVH is a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) — far more than a cleaning. Here’s what your pet’s visit involves:
- Pre-anesthetic bloodwork to confirm your pet is a safe candidate for anesthesia.
- Digital dental X-rays to reveal disease below the gumline that can’t be seen on the surface.
- Scaling and polishing to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline.
- Extractions or oral surgery if needed, performed with nerve blocks for comfort.
- A follow-up call the next day to check on your pet’s recovery.
We know the biggest worry about dental work is the anesthesia. That’s why a technician is dedicated solely to monitoring your pet’s vital signs and anesthetic depth from start to finish — your pet is never left unwatched. It’s the single most important safeguard in a dental procedure, and it’s built into every COHAT we perform.
New Patient FAQ
How do I know if my pet needs a dental cleaning?
Common signs include bad breath, yellow or brown tartar, red or bleeding gums, drooling, or reluctance to eat or chew. But dental disease often hides below the gumline — which is why an exam and dental X-rays are the only way to know for sure. If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s worth a dental consultation.
Is anesthesia safe for my dog or cat?
Modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe, especially with the precautions we take. Every patient gets pre-anesthetic bloodwork, and a technician is dedicated exclusively to monitoring your pet’s vital signs before, during, and after the procedure. Anesthesia is what allows us to clean below the gumline, take X-rays, and treat disease thoroughly and pain-free — none of which is possible with an awake pet.
What is a COHAT procedure?
COHAT stands for Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment. It includes a full oral exam, digital dental X-rays, scaling and polishing above and below the gumline, and any needed extractions or oral surgery — all under safely monitored anesthesia. It’s the complete, gold-standard approach to your pet’s oral health.
Does my pet need bloodwork before a dental?
Yes. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork confirms your pet’s organ function and helps us tailor anesthesia safely to them. It’s a standard part of every dental procedure at NSVH.
How often should pets have their teeth professionally cleaned?
It varies by pet — many dogs and cats benefit from a professional cleaning every one to two years, while small breeds and pets prone to dental disease may need them more often. The doctor will recommend a schedule based on your pet’s exam and dental X-rays.
Will NSVH do an exam before recommending a dental procedure?
Always. We never recommend dental work sight unseen. The doctor examines your pet first, discusses what they find with you, and only then recommends a treatment plan — so you understand exactly what your pet needs and why.
Do you perform tooth extractions?
Yes. Dr. DiGiacomo has advanced training in surgical extractions and oral nerve blocks through the International Veterinary Dentistry Institute, so extractions — from simple to complex — are performed in-house with careful pain management.
