Pet Dental—Anaesthetic Free Vs Anaesthetic Dental Procedure

While anaesthetic-free options might seem less invasive and potentially less stressful, they come with significant limitations that can affect the quality of care your pet receives. There are many benefits for dental procedures to be performed under anaesthesia, which is the safer and more thorough choice for maintaining your pet's dental health.

Anaesthetic-Free Dental Procedures

Anaesthetic-free dental procedures involve cleaning a pet’s teeth without the use of general anaesthesia. These procedures typically include scaling the teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup on the surface. The process is often done while the pet is awake and may involve the use of restraints to keep them still. Some pet owners choose anaesthetic-free dental care because they are concerned about the risks associated with anaesthesia, particularly in older or medically fragile pets. They may also prefer this option because it seems less invasive, quicker and less expensive.

However, anaesthetic-free dental procedures come with several significant limitations.

• One major drawback is that the cleaning is usually superficial, focusing only on the visible parts of the teeth. This means that areas beneath the gumline, where dental disease often begins, are not thoroughly cleaned, leaving plaque and tartar to build up unchecked.

• Additionally, without anaesthesia, pets may experience stress and discomfort during the procedure. This stress can lead to sudden movements, which increase the risk of injury to the pet. 

• The lack of anaesthesia prevents a thorough dental examination by our veterinarians, making it difficult to identify and address underlying issues such as tooth decay, infections or gum disease. 

Overall, while anaesthetic-free procedures may seem appealing, they often fall short in providing comprehensive dental care for pets

Why We Use Anaesthesia for Pet Dental Procedures 

1. Safety First

By putting pets under anaesthesia, we can ensure they remain relaxed and completely still throughout the procedure. This is vital because even the most well-behaved pets can become anxious or frightened during dental cleanings, leading to sudden movements that could result in injury or incomplete cleaning. Anaesthesia prevents these risks by keeping your pet calm and immobile, allowing our veterinarians to perform a thorough and precise dental examination and cleaning without interruptions.

Additionally, anaesthesia significantly reduces the stress that your pet might otherwise experience during a dental procedure. Dental tools and the associated sounds and sensations can be distressing for pets, especially when they are awake and aware of what’s happening. By using anaesthesia, we eliminate the stress and discomfort that would otherwise accompany the procedure, ensuring a more humane and gentle experience for your pet.

1. Thorough Cleaning

One of the primary advantages of using anaesthesia for pet dental procedures is the ability to perform a thorough cleaning, especially beneath the gumline, where plaque and tartar tend to accumulate. These areas are difficult to access without anaesthesia, yet they are crucial for maintaining oral health. Plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline can lead to periodontal disease, which, if left untreated, can cause pain, tooth loss and even systemic health issues. Under anaesthesia, our veterinarians can carefully and effectively clean these hidden areas, reducing the risk of serious dental problems.

Anaesthesia also allows for a more comprehensive dental examination. When pets are fully sedated, our vets can inspect each tooth closely, assess the health of the gums, and identify any underlying issues such as tooth decay, infections or oral masses. This in-depth examination is vital for catching dental problems early before they become more severe and harder to treat. If necessary, our vets can also perform extractions or other dental procedures during the same session, all without causing distress to your pet.

1. Monitoring Matters

During pet dental procedures under anaesthesia, continuous monitoring of vital signs is essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of your pet. Our veterinary team closely observes your pet's heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure and other critical parameters throughout the procedure. This vigilant monitoring allows our team to detect any changes in your pet’s condition in real time, ensuring that any issues are addressed immediately. By keeping a constant watch on these vital signs, our team can maintain your pet’s stability and respond promptly to any signs of distress or complications.

1. Preventing Aspiration

Fasting before a dental procedure is a critical step in ensuring your pet's safety under anaesthesia. The primary reason for this fasting period is to prevent aspiration, a serious risk that occurs when food or liquid from the stomach is regurgitated and enters the lungs. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia and other severe respiratory complications, making it essential to minimise this risk as much as possible.

1. Gentle Recovery

Post-procedure, anaesthesia allows for effective pain management, significantly minimising discomfort as your pet recovers. Our vets typically administer pain relief medications before your pet fully awakens from anaesthesia, ensuring that any potential pain is managed proactively. This careful approach to pain control helps prevent your pet from experiencing unnecessary discomfort and promotes a faster, more comfortable recovery. Additionally, the effects of anaesthesia gradually wear off, allowing your pet to regain consciousness in a controlled and peaceful manner, further reducing stress.

Following the procedure, post-anaesthetic care and monitoring are essential to ensure a full and smooth recovery. Our team continues to monitor your pet’s vital signs as they wake up, checking for any signs of complications or adverse reactions.

In summary, anaesthetic dental procedures offer numerous benefits that are essential for maintaining your pet’s oral and overall health. The use of anaesthesia ensures a safe, thorough, and stress-free experience by allowing for complete cleaning beneath the gumline, enabling comprehensive dental examinations, and providing effective pain management. Continuous monitoring during the procedure further enhances safety, while post-anaesthetic care ensures a smooth recovery. These factors combine to protect your pet from serious dental diseases and promote their long-term well-being.

By relying on professional care, you can be confident that your pet’s dental needs are being addressed with the highest standards of safety and effectiveness. We encourage you to consult with our veterinarians to discuss the best dental care approach for your pet. Every pet is unique, and our team is here to help you make informed decisions that prioritise your pet’s health and happiness.