5 Reasons to Choose Anesthetic Teeth Cleanings

January 18th, 2016 by Cherished Companions Animal Clinic

We know you have great intentions when it comes to your furry friend.

Let’s say you’re choosing pet dental care for the first time.

Or… you’re a long-time pet parent who’s reading up on the latest teeth cleaning options.

We’d love to share our thoughts on the benefits of anesthetic teeth cleanings vs. anesthesia-free dental cleanings.

Here are five reasons our Castle Rock veterinarians strongly recommend anesthetic teeth cleanings, rather than anesthesia-free cleanings.

#1: Your dog or cat receives a more thorough and effective teeth cleaning.

Think of your pet’s teeth as little icebergs. What you see above the surface of the gums only accounts for about 1/3 of each tooth!

The areas below the surface are very susceptible to periodontal disease — the most common disease in adult dogs and cats.

With anesthesia, our veterinarians can put your pet in a relaxed state and do a more thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. We can:

• Clean your pet’s teeth beneath the gum line.
• Clean all the teeth on the tongue side, not just the lip side.
• Polish away the little divots that are naturally caused by teeth cleaning utensils. (Divots can quickly build up plaque!)
• Take x-rays to see if your pet has any root damage.

None of these steps can be taken with anesthesia-free teeth cleanings.

An anesthesia-free teeth cleaning is basically a cosmetic procedure.

It isn’t a thorough, oral health procedure. The technicians can’t reach the areas prone to periodontal disease.

There’s no question your pet’s teeth may look good following anesthesia-free cleanings.

With x-rays, though, you may discover the teeth are rotten underneath.

#2: Your pet feels more comfortable during the procedure.

With your pet sedated, we can reduce your pet’s stress and anxiety.

We also can eliminate injuries that can occur with anesthesia-free teeth cleanings — such as if your pet makes a sudden movement with cleaning utensils in his or her mouth.

#3: An anesthetic teeth cleaning can be more cost-effective.

We know this may come as a surprise.

Typically, one anesthetic dental cleaning per year with one of our skilled veterinarians costs less than two anesthesia-free cleanings per year.

Not to mention, the anesthetic cleaning is a lot more effective for your pet.

Keep in mind, the frequency you should bring your dog or cat in for teeth cleanings depends on your individual pet.

Some small breed dogs, for example, need more frequent cleanings.

#4: You save money in the long-term, avoiding expensive dental procedures.

Let’s say you bring your dog or cat in for routine anesthetic dental cleanings, and you’re practicing good home dental care. (Great job!)

In doing so, you’re reducing the risk that your dog or kitty will need to have teeth pulled.

Teeth extraction can get expensive, so this is more money you’re keeping in your pocket.

#5: You help your pet live a healthier, more comfortable life.

Cheers for that!

Pet periodontal disease is uncomfortable for dogs and cats. Pets are good at hiding pain, so you may not even know how much discomfort your cherished companion is in.

The good news is periodontal disease is almost 100% preventable if you come in for routine anesthetic dental cleanings and you practice good home dental care. You’ll help:

• Make it easier for your dog or cat to eat.
• Improve your pet’s breath.
• Protect your pet’s teeth, gums and jawbones.
• Keep your pet’s major organs from getting bombarded with bacteria.
• Improve your pet’s chances for a longer, more rewarding life.

For more on anesthetic teeth cleanings vs. anesthesia-free dental cleanings…

Check out these articles:

• Anesthesia-free dentistry: Is it truly a good option for your pet?
• Scared about anesthesia? Don’t let your fears make you put off dental care for your pets

Cherished Companions Animal Clinic is a veterinary clinic in Castle Rock, Colorado. Specializing in the care of cats and dogs, our goal is to help you and your pet feel more comfortable, keeping your stress to a minimum.

This article is intended to provide general guidance on the benefits of anesthetic teeth cleanings. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your local veterinarian. (If you live in or around Castle Rock, we welcome your call: 303-688-3757.)

© 2016, Cherished Companions Animal Clinic