The Importance of Anesthesia

One of the most common questions owners have about dental procedures is whether anesthesia is necessary. Unlike in humans, anesthesia is essential for performing a full oral examination and procedure in animals. There are several reasons for this, which we'll briefly cover.

The primary reason is the patient’s safety and comfort. Animals do not understand what is happening during a consultation or procedure. Unfortunately, we cannot explain to them that we mean no harm and are simply trying to help them feel better. As a result, many animals become frightened and are unable to remain still for a thorough examination or procedure. Attempting a dental cleaning without anesthesia could result in serious injury from sharp tools.

Anesthesia allows the patient to fully relax, ensuring we can safely perform our work. Once the patient is under anesthesia, they are blissfully unaware of anything happening in their mouths. During this time, we conduct a complete oral examination to assess the condition of the oral cavity. This includes probing each tooth to check for degree of inflammation, pocketing, mobility, or signs of pain. We also take dental radiographs to visualize the roots, periodontal ligaments, and bones beneath the gum line, which is crucial for detecting conditions like infection, tooth resorption, or fractures.

We understand that anesthesia can be a source of concern for many owners. That’s why we work closely with a board-certified anesthesiologist— a veterinarian with extensive additional training in anesthesiology who has passed a rigorous certification exam from the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. Our anesthesiologist reviews the patient’s complete history and all recommended pre-operative diagnostics—including bloodwork, radiographs, and echocardiogram as needed—to create a personalized protocol tailored to the patient’s needs. They also monitor the patient closely throughout the procedure to ensure the anesthesia and treatment are carried out with the utmost care, safety, and comfort.