Sedation Dentistry – or Anesthesia Free Dentistry – is one of those things that looks great at first blush, until you read the fine print. We know that on the surface, it seems like a great idea to just sedate a pet and not have to give general anesthesia. And sedation costs much less. What’s not to like?
Well there are several things…
Take my Breath Away. Saliva builds up during a dental procedure, and without a protected airway, fluid can get into your pet’s lungs and cause pneumonia.
Deep and Wide. Even under sedation, a pet moves when only under sedation. This moving target makes it impossible to get deep under the gum line to remove tartar, which is vitally important to your pet’s overall health. In addition, the tools we use for a cleaning also can be dangerous for a pet who jerks or flinches.
Welcome to My Nightmare. If you have even a touch of dental phobia, you’ll appreciate this. Imagine that you don’t understand the weird noises, the unfamiliar surroundings, and the probing and pulling at your mouth. Sedation reduces anxiety and stress, but a pet who is under anesthesia is blissfully unaware.
Fools Rush In. Sedation dentistry puts the veterinarian staff at risk for being bitten, because the animals can still move.
X-Ray Eyes. A thorough dental exam includes x-rays, charting teeth, and a thorough examination of the tongue and back side of teeth. These are only possible under general anesthesia.
Breaking all the rules. We’re accredited by AAHA, and their guidelines state that, “all AAHA-accredited practices must perform dental procedures under general anesthesia.”
The bottom line is this: Your pet’s safety is our top priority, which is why we always do your pet’s dental work under general anesthesia. Before we administer the anesthesia, we are very careful to do bloodwork. Your pet will be intubated using a breathing tube, and her vitals will be monitored closely.
If you have questions, we’ll be happy to answer them for you. Give us a call today!
