Why would I choose a dental without anesthesia versus one with anesthesia?

The American Animal Hospital Assn, a very prestigious organization, performed a study titled ”Complications and mortality associated with anesthesia in dogs and cats.” The results revealed that 1 out of 233 dogs/cats will die from anesthesia, 1 out of 9 will suffer from a complication caused by the anesthesia.

What are the dangers of Periodontal Disease?

Just as with humans, tartar or calculus forms on a dog’s teeth when plaque – a combination of salivary proteins and bacteria – accumulates on the teeth and is not brushed or mechanically scraped away by vigorous chewing. And just as with humans, some dogs seem more prone to tartar accumulation than others. Some of this may be due to an inherited trait; it’s also thought that the chemistry in some dogs’ saliva seems to promote tartar formation. Soon, the gums become inflamed by the plaque, and bacterial infections may develop. Yes, the dog will have bad breath and unsightly red gums. He may experience pain when he’s eating his food, playing with toys, or during recreational chewing. Chronic mouth pain can cause behavioral changes, including crankiness and sudden onset of “bad moods.”

When plaque deposits begin to form in proximity to and then, gradually, under the dog’sgums, the immuno-inflammatory response begins to cause destruction of the structures that hold the dog’s teeth in place: the cementum (the calcified tissue that covers the root surfaces), periodontal ligament (connective tissue that helps anchor the teeth), and alveolar bone (the bone that surrounds the roots of the teeth). As these structures are damaged in the inflammatory response “crossfire,” the teeth can become loose and even fall out.

A more serious danger is the bacterial infection and resultant inflammation in the gums, which can send bacteria through the dog’s bloodstream, where it can wreak havoc with the heart, lungs, kidney, and liver. Damage to these organs caused by infection can shorten the lives of our pets.

 What is the nature of the procedure?

We always wear clean gloves and towels. We also always clean and sterilize equipment
between cleanings. During the procedure, we chart the mouth, probe, scale, polish, apply a fluoride treatment.
Our technique is kind and gentle. Large dogs lay on the floor between our legs. Small dogs and cats are wrapped in a towel and held in the lap or a table. We then use one hand to control the mouth and expose the teeth, and the other to scale and polish. The cleanings take about 45 minutes, depending on the amount of calculus build-up and how your pet is feeling. Obviously, some animals will not cooperate with the procedure, and we will stop the cleaning if an animal exhibits too much stress.

We relax your pet using a natural calming product from flower essences. We think it’s all about attitude. We talk and praise them to reassure them. We always provide your pet with a safe, warm environment necessary to get the best health care possible for your loved one. If you prefer, we can come in the comfort of your own home. Your pet will feel even more relaxed if he stays in a well-known location. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about the stress of the car ride that some animals suffer from. We have to consider each dog’s case individually and weigh all the factors: health, age, condition of the teeth, and temperament.

The key to the treatment is patience… most canines/felines that receive the treatment
eventually get used to it and simply sit back and relax as we would at the dentist. If possible, do not feed for 2-3 hours before cleaning and take your dog for a long, relaxing walk before starting.

Polishing the teeth after a thorough scaling is essential to the continued health of teeth and gums. Failing to polish well after scaling means more tartar will build-up in the end. We will polish the teeth using a fluoride-based pumice. Then we can assist you in getting started on a home maintenance program to ensure the overall health of your pet.