DUARTE, Calif., April 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To get under the gum line and perform a thorough oral health assessment, many veterinarians recommend a pet dental cleaning performed while the pet is under anesthesia. Pets enjoy a less stressful experience and benefit from a more comprehensive cleaning when using anesthesia. Regular dental cleanings are important in order to remove the plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to gum disease. However, without anesthesia, pets do not benefit from a thorough cleaning as bacteria likely remains below the gum line. Duarte Azusa Animal Hospital dispels the misconceptions surrounding anesthetic pet dental cleanings to allow pet owners to make a more informed choice.
According to the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), it is recommended that pets are put under anesthesia for their dental cleanings. Anesthesia Free Dentistry or No Anesthesia Dentistry (NAD) may be available at local animal hospitals or clinics; however, this method is not the best approach for improving and maintaining the oral health of a pet.
With anesthetic-free pet cleanings, it is not possible for a pet to receive the deep cleaning necessary or an assessment of gum condition and developing pockets that may detect the existence or progress of gingivitis or periodontitis. After an anesthesia-free cleaning, the teeth above the surface of the gum line may appear whiter, however, the bacteria and plaque under the gum line has not been removed and continues to undermine a pet’s oral health. When gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, pets may experience unnecessary pain and tooth loss, making it difficult to chew and play. Thorough anesthetic pet dental cleanings and daily tooth brushing and homecare support optimal oral health results.
Anesthesia helps providers perform a thorough cleaning. Pets are put under and do not suffer stress with restraints often used during NAD. Use of anesthesia during a cleaning allows pet owners to get a better evaluation of any symptoms of gum disease and receive the scaling needed to improve oral health in a beloved pet.
“Pet owners need to be aware of the difference that anesthetic pet dental cleaning can make when it comes to the oral health of a pet,” said Dr. Rahim Zabihi. “We often see signs of gum disease in pets and the deep cleaning and assessment that happens during an anesthetic pet dental cleaning can effectively prevent and treat such conditions.”
Dr. Rahim Zabihi, owner and primary veterinarian and surgeon at Duarte Azusa Animal Hospital, serves pets and owners in Duarte and Azusa. This full-service small animal hospital offers pets and their owners the highest standards of veterinary excellence. Services include new pet exams, puppy and kitten care, pet dentistry, general and orthopedic surgery, anesthesia, and wellness care.
Call (626) 357-2251 to learn about anesthetic pet dental cleaning services or visit http://duarteazusaanimalhospital.com/ for more information.