St. Johns’ Trusted Experts in Pet Oral Surgery & Advanced Diagnostics
Welcome to Switzerland Animal Hospital, your Northeast Florida destination for advanced oral care. Most dental conditions occur below the gumline, hidden from the naked eye.
We combine modern digital imaging with skilled surgical techniques during your pet's Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) to identify hidden pain, treat infection, and restore your pet's quality of life.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Dental Journey
Our dental services are designed with safety and comfort in mind.
- Comprehensive Oral Examination
Since we cannot tell our patients to hold still, we perform our comprehensive oral exam under anesthesia. We incorporate the most up-to-date anesthetic protocol available to ensure your pet's safety. This includes placing an intravenous catheter for fluid support. Additional safety measures include monitoring of blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart function.
Every visit begins with a COHAT: Comprehensive Oral Health Treatment. We look for visible signs of infection, fractures, or periodontal disease while reviewing symptoms you’ve noticed at home, such as:- Persistent bad breath or bleeding gums
- Difficulty chewing or dropping food
- Pawing at the mouth or facial swelling
Periodontal disease is one of the most common conditions we detect and one of the most preventable when caught early.
- High-Resolution Digital X-rays
Digital Dental X-rays allow us to see what lies beneath the surface, where 60% of dental disease hides. Digital dental radiography allows us to diagnose:- Tooth root infections and abscesses, which can impact the health of the heart and kidneys
- Bone Loss, which can lead to premature loss of teeth
- Tooth fracture, retained roots, and injury
- Extractions & Oral Surgery
If digital dental X-rays during your pet's COHAT reveal non-viable or severely damaged teeth, our veterinary team performs extractions or oral surgery to eliminate the source of infection. Our veterinary team uses local nerve blocks to ensure pain-free and efficient extractions.
- Recovery & Aftercare
Many pets experience a noticeable boost in energy and appetite once diseased teeth are removed. We provide a customized pain management plan and clear at-home instructions to ensure your pet returns to their happy, comfortable self quickly. Even though we may put your pet on a soft diet post-surgically, they can go back on their dry pet food after all tissues have healed (typically after 1-2 weeks).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental radiographs really necessary?
Yes and they're one of the most important tools we have. Up to 60% of dental disease hides below the gumline where no visual exam can reach. Digital dental X-rays let us detect tooth root infections, bone loss, and hidden fractures before they become serious health problems.
Will my pet need surgery the same day as dental radiographs?
If your pet's digital dental X-rays reveal a disease process that can be addressed in a timely fashion, we try to do so at the same time. This negates a second anesthesia down the road.
Is pet oral surgery safe?
Yes, pet oral surgery is very safe. We use pre-anesthetic bloodwork, intravenous fluid support, and continuous vital monitoring throughout every procedure of the heart (EKG and blood pressure), as well as oxygen concentration.
How long is recovery after tooth extractions?
Our discharge instructions will include a personalized pain management and simple at-home care suggestions. Your pet will typically stay on soft food for 1-2 weeks. They can almost always return to eating their favorite dry food. Many pet owners are surprised by how quickly their pet's energy and appetite improve once a painful tooth is gone.
How do I schedule a dental appointment?
It's easy — just click below to request your pet's COHAT consultation online, or call us at (904) 287-2527 during business hours.
