Stray Thoughts Spring 2020
Pet Health Watch with Dr. Main
Should Pets Have Their Teeth Cleaned Without Anesthesia?
M
ost pets at some time in their life will develop plaque
deposition on their teeth and associated gingivitis.
Many pets will further develop periodontal disease, which
is the loss of tooth attachment. Some pets will develop
dental abscesses and or cavitation’s on the surface of a
tooth. As veterinarians, we identify these types of dental
conditions in our patients every day of practice. Most
clients want to provide dental care for their pets, but are
concerned about the need for anesthesia. Unfortunately,
professional level periodontal therapy must be completed
under general anesthesia.
dental radiology are needed
for a complete exam. In dental
procedures using sedation only or
no anesthetic, it is not possible to
clean the entire tooth; especially
the sub-gingival space and the
inner surface of the tooth. Without
proper probing for pockets and
dental X-ray most dental pathology
will be missed.
Commonly, oral cavity exams on awake patients grossly
underestimate the amount of dental disease that is
present. Dental X-ray, probing, and seeing the entire oral
cavity often reveals root abscesses, gingival growths, and
moderate to severe periodontal disease. Once identified
these conditions can be treated. In fact, one recent
study showed that patients receiving dental evaluation
and cleaning under general anesthesia live longer than
patients that do not receive this treatment.
To further support dentistry under general anesthesia
versus “non-anesthetic dentistry,” several veterinary bodies
have come out with position statements against dentistry
without anesthesia. And some states have made the
practice of dentistry illegal outside of a veterinary hospital.
In regard to anesthesia risks, a decision is usually made
between the veterinarian and the pet owner based on
health of the patient, blood work on the patient, and
records of previous anesthetic events. In veterinary
hospitals with “best practices” the risk with anesthesia
is extremely low. The reason for the low risk with
anesthesia is related to good drug choices for each
patient, along with proper supportive care during the
procedure, and extremely thorough monitoring of vitals
during the procedure.
Studies show that dental procedures done with sedation
or with non-anesthetic options have little to no medical
benefit. General anesthesia is needed to complete a
safe thorough cleaning as well as a thorough oral exam.
Dental work done any other way is cosmetic at best and
deleterious to the patient’s welfare at worst. In fact when
dental procedures are completed without anesthesia it
hastens the progression of periodontal disease.
When patients are screened carefully, anesthetic
protocols are customized to the patient, and monitoring
is detailed and exquisite; patient outcomes are excellent.
There is a clear health benefit to keeping the oral cavity
in top condition. It is advised to have a conversation with
you veterinary professional about dental procedures,
along with the risks and benefits for your pet.
In order to complete a beneficial and thorough
cleaning, the space under the edge of the gum must be
cleaned; and the tooth must be cleaned 360 degrees
around. Further, periodontal probing for pockets and
Because my pets are Maltese, they have benefited from
perio-therapy every year and have always done well!
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