Town & Country Animal Hospital Offers Anesthetic Pet Dental Cleanings to Support Oral Health

OCALA, Fla., April 30, 2017 -- Pet owners should be aware of the benefits of a thorough dental cleaning for a beloved pet. Pets are put under for dental cleanings for their safety and so that they can receive a comprehensive cleaning experience. Dental disease can impact the oral health and general health of a pet. There are misconceptions surrounding anesthesia-free pet dental cleanings and the staff at Town & Country Animal Hospital wants pet owners to have the details needed to make an informed choice about their pet dental cleanings.

The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) recommends putting pets under anesthesia for their dental cleaning. Some veterinarians offer Anesthesia Free Dentistry or No Anesthesia Dentistry (NAD), however, pet owners should be aware that this approach may not be the best choice for a pet. In many cases anesthesia is the only way to preform dental procedures such as, scaling and remove the plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gum line. Reaching and removing tartar that breeds bacteria commonly seen in pets with periodontal disease. In addition, pets go through unnecessary stress and potential danger when restrained during a NAD cleaning session. Even with a high level of restraint, it is impossible to restrict all movement creating more risk around sharp dental tools.  Anesthesia keeps pets safe with minimal stress by allowing them to wake up after all the cleaning is complete.  The American Animal Hospital Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, and the AVDC all agree that no pet should have anesthesia free dental cleanings.

Pet owners experience a false sense of security when their pet receives an anesthesia-free dental cleaning. Pets do not receive the deep cleaning necessary for a complete evaluation and are still susceptible to the development of periodontal disease. Teeth look whiter, but plaque, tartar, and bacteria may continue to exist just below the gum line. As periodontal disease progresses, it may be necessary to address loose teeth, discomfort, and other pet health issues.

“Pet owners need to know of the difference anesthesia can make during a pet dental cleaning,” said Dr. Kelly Culbertson, DVM. “Gum disease is far too common. In order to effectively prevent and treat gum disease, pet owners should schedule a cleaning under anesthesia for a beloved pet.”

Dr. Kelly Culbertson, DVM and the staff at Town & Country Animal Hospital, serve pets and owners in Ocala and the surrounding areas. They offer high-quality pet wellness care, pet surgery, veterinary dermatology, and more. Services include puppy and kitten care, pet dental, pet surgery, and wellness care.

Call (352) 840-7020 to learn about anesthetic pet dental cleaning services at Town & Country Animal Hospital or to schedule an appointment. Visit http://www.bestocalavet.com/ for more information.

Town & Country Animal Hospital 
5204 N US Hwy 27 
Ocala, FL 34482 
(352) 840-7020