Anesthesia-free teeth cleanings do not allow for cleaning under the gumline, which is where periodontal disease is most active. Without proper cleaning under the gums, the disease will continue to progress undetected. This can allow for chronic pain and loose or lost teeth. Teeth that have been scaled and not polished allow for prime bacterial breeding grounds, which worsens dental disease in the long run. It is difficult to diagnose periodontal disease in an awake patient until it is advanced. Under anesthesia, a thorough tooth by tooth exam, probing of the teeth, and full mouth dental x-rays help to diagnose periodontal disease, as well as broken teeth or oral tumors. Anesthesia-free teeth cleanings require your pet to be restrained while the tartar is removed, which can be stressful or painful for your pet. We have also included a website for reference with additional information on anesthesia-free teeth cleanings.

Not only does the dental disease affect your pet’s mouth, but untreated dental disease can lead to further health risks. These health risks can include: cardiac disease, liver and kidney disease, weight loss, stimulation of the immune system to attack healthy gum tissue (thus worsening dental disease), bone loss in the oral cavity and surrounding teeth, fractures in the weakening jaw bone, bone infections, blood infections, diabetes, and fistulas (holes) from the oral cavity into the nasal passages. We have included a website with additional information on dental and periodontal disease.