Dentistry and Anesthesia

Here in Qatar, like in other countries around the world, we are starting to see a rise in the “anesthesia-free dental”.  This is a procedure that is often  offered by groomers and pet stores where they attempt to clean your pet’s teeth while fully awake.  This is not the same as tooth brushing.  These businesses often play on a pet owners fear of anesthesia in order to promote this procedure.  The problem is, that doing a proper full dental exam, ultrasonic cleaning, and polishing on a dog or cat who is awake is impossible.  Without anesthesia this procedure is dangerous in that it is not thorough and all dental problems are often completely ignored.  While it may make the areas of the teeth that are visible to the owner look whiter and brighter, this is just cosmetic and does not help your pet.  The tongue side of the teeth will not be properly cleaned, under the gum line (the most important area) will not be properly cleaned, and each tooth will not be examined by a veterinarian in order to look for dental disease.  No extractions, if needed, will be performed.  Owners are often fooled into thinking that everything is going well with their pet’s teeth after they have paid to have this done, when in fact they may be suffering daily in silence from infection and chronic pain coming from the roots of the teeth.

A proper dental evaluation and cleaning must be done under anesthesia by a licensed veterinarian.  Your QVC vet can evaluate your pet’s health with a good history, full body exam, and possibly blood work prior to a dental.  Then they can decide on a balanced anesthesia plan that is best and safest for your cat or dog.  Please do not be fooled, “anesthesia-free dentals” are dangerous to your pet’s oral health and are never appropriate.

Dr Sam, DVM