Anesthesia Free Dentistry
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It is not possible to do a complete oral exam let alone a thorough cleaning without anesthesia. Each surface of each tooth and all areas of the gums need to be examined. Dental x-rays are needed to find the majority of problems, and anesthesia is needed to obtain the x-rays. For example, a tooth can appear normal or only slightly affected but can have severe disease which is shown in an x-ray. While we may just see some slight inflammation at the gum line, an x-ray of the tooth may show that it is abscessed, and may require a root canal procedure or be extracted. Owners of pets in pain may not even recognize it until their pet's teeth are treated. If your pet has pain from their teeth, they will be much happier once its taken care of! |
Does your dog have stinky breath? Do your cat’s teeth look brown? In fact, periodontal disease is the most common disease that pets develop. It is estimated that 80 to 85% of dogs and cats have some degree of infection. It is not just a cosmetic problem, chronic infection shortens their life because of effects on other organs, especially the heart, kidneys, and liver, not to mention the pain that bad teeth can cause.
Veterinarians are trained to diagnose and treat periodontal disease. Unfortunately, there is a growing trend to offer “anesthesia free dentistry” by untrained people at grooming parlors and pet food stores. Here are six reasons why “anesthesia free dentistry” is a terrible idea.
In “anesthesia free dentistry” the dogs are just held down and the teeth are scraped with a metal tool to clean tartar off the crowns of the teeth. One problem is that the crowns are only about 2% of the problem. Pathology takes place under the gums and this is where veterinarians concentrate their treatment. Cleaning the crowns is just a cosmetic treatment, it does nothing to improve the health of the pet. Dogs are stressed with “anesthesia free” dentistry. They have to be held firmly to try to reduce movement. Think how hard it is to get them to hold still just to brush their teeth. Hand scaling uses sharp metal instruments. Even a slight movement can cause injury to teeth, gums, lips, even the eyes. Also, as the dog is struggling, it can aspirate pieces of tartar as it is removed. Fractures of the jaw have also been known to occur.
Hand scaling with metal instruments causes etches in the enamel of the teeth. Veterinarians use either power instruments that cause less etching, or are able to use a light touch with hand instruments on the enamel because the pet is not moving. Then the teeth are polished to smooth the enamel. With the “anesthesia free” procedure, deeper grooves are made in the enamel of the teeth, which enables the tartar to attach and accumulate even faster.
When your pet has an “anesthesia free” procedure, it gives you a false sense of accomplishment and delays the treatment your pet really needs. It is very common to find abscessed teeth, fractured teeth, and bone loss on x-rays that no one could see just by looking in the mouth. It is illegal. In the United States and Canada, only licensed veterinarians can practice dentistry. Anyone providing dental services other than a DVM or a supervised, trained licensed veterinary technician working directly with a DVM, is practicing veterinary medicine without a license and is open to prosecution.
Owners are commonly concerned about putting their beloved pets under anesthesia, but modern anesthetic techniques and monitoring equipment actually make it as safe as in human medicine. As you can see, there is more risk if any dental procedure is done without anesthesia.
PUPPY CLASSES!
WHO'S READY FOR PUPPY CLASS? Our next puppy classes start Jan. 24th and run through Feb. 28th, total of 6 sessions held every Tuesday evening @ 7:15pm in the lobby and doggie play area at our hospital. All puppies between the ages of 9 weeks and 6 months and those that have had at least 2 sets of vaccines are welcome! Teach your puppy basic obedience skills and commands, bond with your puppy and help them develope important life long social skills. Call or e-mail us for more information and to sign up. All 6 sessions are only $120. Please sign up early registration ends on Jan. 23rd. and space is limited. See you there! The number one reason dogs are given up is due to training or behavioral problems. Get your puppy started on the right foot in 2012!
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Doggie Day Care!
Help your dog beat the boredom blues while you're at work. Dogs enjoy playing and socializing with other dogs. We have indoor and outdoor play areas and can customize the experience for your dog based on your wishes and their individual needs. We also group our daycare dogs with similar sized dogs for fun and safe playtime.
Top Ten Reasons Your Dog Needs Doggie Day Care:
10. Lame meter readers, lawn care and pool service people who don't close gates to your fence.
9. Your dog can tell time and found out your 9-5 became 8-6.
8. A tired dog is a good dog.
7. The cat sent you a text that said he needs his space 3 times a week.
6. Nipping at the contractor's ankles won't help him meet his deadline.
5. Your dog found out speed dating is all the rage.
4. 5 naps a day is overrated.
3. Chasing squirrels with friends is way more fun.
2. Your dog loves to brag to his facebook friends......it's good to be ME!
1. Air conditioned play area, large secure fenced yard, toys, lots of love and good friends..............priceless.
Call Today For More Information! 817-478-8000.