Sedation vs. General Anesthesia
Our dental cleanings may be performed under sedation or general anesthesia for your dog or cat.
Under sedation or general anesthesia, what’s better?
We offer two different methods for cleaning your pet’s teeth, depending on factors such as the severity of periodontal disease, your pet’s age, and whether extractions or other dental work are necessary. Below are the benefits and drawbacks of sedation versus general anesthesia.
How to decide which procedure to choose?
For younger pets with mild tartar
Sedation may be an option for a basic cleaning.
For older pets or those with underlying health concerns
Sedation may be safer if only a mild cleaning is required.
For pets with advanced periodontal disease, extractions, or pain
General anesthesia is strongly recommended for a comprehensive and safe procedure.
For senior or at-risk pets
A risk assessment should be done before proceeding with anesthesia, but in many cases, the benefits outweigh the risks if dental disease is present.
Our team can recommend the best procedure for your pet after an oral exam and a discussion with you about a long-term dental care plan that works for you, your pet, and your budget.
What is teeth cleaning with sedation VS teeth cleaning under anesthesia?
Nevada state veterinary laws prohibit cleaning under the gum line unless your pet is either sedated or put under anesthesia. Groomers are prohibited from preforming dental cleanings using any dental instruments with the exception of a brush.
Our treatment with sedation allows your pet to bypass the need for general anesthesia during their teeth cleaning in a safe environment using proprietary techniques with close monitoring of all your pet’s vital signs. Just like getting your own teeth cleaned, your pet remains relatively awake. When the procedure is done, we are able to safely and completely reverse the effects of the sedation within 5-10 minutes.
Before any dental cleaning, our team will conduct a thorough examination of your pet’s teeth and gums. Our team has years of experience which enable them to provide safe and fast removal of tartar and plaque from your pet’s teeth, followed by polishing, an anti-bacterial rinse, and then application of Oravet tooth sealant to slow down the buildup of plaque and tarter over time.
Pets that have plaque and tartar buildup that is greater than a 2 on a scale of 4, are typically not candidates for dental cleanings using sedation and require general anesthesia.
Safety First
For Dogs or Cats Age 7 or Older:
Pets age 7 or older require a full blood panel prior to being sedated or put under using anesthesia in order to assess their overall health and identify any underlying medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications during the procedure. The blood panel helps evaluate organ function, including the liver and kidneys, checks for anemia, and ensures that the pet is fit for sedation or anesthesia. This precaution allows veterinarians to make informed decisions about the safest approach for the pet’s dental care and tailor the anesthesia plan accordingly.
A Closer Look at Anesthesia VS Sedation
Cleaning a pet’s teeth under sedation and anesthesia both have their own benefits, and the choice often depends on the specific needs of the pet and the complexity of the dental procedure. Here are some of the key benefits of each:
Veterinary Dental Cleaning Under Sedation ($350)
The base investment for a dental cleaning under sedation will increase if various additional items such as bloodwork and x-rays are done.
Benefits
Faster Recovery
Since deep anesthesia isn’t used, pets typically recover more quickly.
Lower Anesthetic Risk
Less cardiovascular and respiratory depression than full general anesthesia, making it a better option for some high-risk pets.
Reduced Stress
Some pets (especially geriatric or brachycephalic breeds) may tolerate lighter sedation better than full anesthesia.
Pain Management
Dogs receive butorphanol, and cats receive ketamine to help manage any discomfort. Additionally, we closely monitor all vital signs and can adjust the procedure if signs of discomfort arise. Unlike general anesthesia—where pets feel nothing at all—this allows us to ensure the procedure remains as comfortable as possible.
Improved Breath
Effectively removes supragingival (above the gumline) calculus, soft deposits, plaque, and stains, which can help reduce bad breath.
Drawbacks
Not All Pets Are Candidates
Only some pets qualify for dental cleanings under sedation.
Limited Procedures
No extractions or deep dental work can be performed, as the pet may move or feel pain. making it a better option for some high-risk pets.
Not Suitable for Advanced Periodontal Disease
Pets with significant dental disease require general anesthesia for proper treatment.
Does Not Address Subgingival Disease
Sedation-only cleanings do not treat infection or disease beneath the gumline, where periodontal disease begins.
Limited Long-Term Benefit
Without subgingival cleaning, periodontal disease may continue to progress, leading to further dental issues.
Our Commitment to Safety
During our dental cleanings, every sedated pet receives individualized care, including:
- Bloodwork for pets aged 7 or older to assess overall health
- Advanced monitoring (heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure) during the procedure
- Pain management before and during the cleaning
- Personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery
For pets with significant dental disease, they are not candidates for dental cleanings under sedation. Rather, a cleaning done under general anesthesia is the safest and most effective way to provide long-lasting oral health benefits. Schedule a consultation today to learn more!
Veterinary Dental Cleaning Under General Anesthesia ($175 and up)
The base investment for a dental cleaning under general anesthesia is less than one under sedation, however, with various additional items such as bloodwork, x-rays, medications, extractions (if necessary), can quickly get up around $800.
Benefits
Comprehensive Cleaning
General anesthesia allows for a thorough dental cleaning, including subgingival scaling (removal of plaque and tartar below the gumline), where periodontal disease begins.
Safe and Pain-Free
Pets are completely unconscious and pain-free, preventing stress, discomfort, and sudden movements. This allows us to perform detailed cleanings, periodontal therapy, and extractions if needed.
Full Mouth X-Rays ($130)
Dental radiographs are essential for identifying hidden disease beneath the gumline, such as tooth root abscesses, resorptive lesions, or bone loss that cannot be seen during a visual exam. X-Rays are additional to our base price and may be optional depending on the amount of periodontal disease your pet has.
Airway Protection
Pets are intubated, preventing aspiration of water, plaque, or debris during the procedure. This is also a practice with dental cleanings we do under sedation.
Long-Term Oral Health Benefits
Proper removal of subgingival bacteria and diseased teeth helps slow the progression of periodontal disease, reducing the risk of tooth loss, infections, and even systemic health issues.
Drawbacks
Longer Recovery Time
Since pets receive general anesthesia, they may take a few hours to fully recover, although most go home the same day.
Higher Cost
Due to X-rays, bloodwork, and the ability to perform extractions or advanced treatments, these dental cleanings are simply more expensive than sedation-only cleanings but needed.
Anesthetic Risks
While modern anesthesia is very safe, there is always a small risk, especially for pets with pre-existing conditions. We perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork and monitoring to minimize this risk. All pets 7 years of age and older, have their bloodwork done.
Not Necessary for Every Pet
Younger pets with minimal tartar buildup may not require deep cleaning under anesthesia, and they may be candidates for sedation-based cleanings instead.
Who Needs General Anesthesia for Dental Cleaning?
- Pets with moderate to severe periodontal disease
- Pets requiring extractions or oral surgery
- Pets with signs of oral pain, infection, or loose teeth
- Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds or pets prone to airway issues
- Any pet requiring a full, thorough cleaning with subgingival scaling and X-rays
Our Commitment to Safety
During our dental cleanings, every anesthetized pet receives individualized care, including
- Pre-anesthetic bloodwork to assess overall health
- Advanced monitoring (heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure) during the procedure
- Pain management before, during, and after the cleaning
- Personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery
For pets with significant dental disease, general anesthesia is the safest and most effective way to provide long-lasting oral health benefits. Schedule a consultation today to learn more!
Teeth cleaning includes a dental exam
In addition to cleaning your dog or cat’s teeth, our veterinarian performs a dental exam to check various indicators of oral health:
Tartar Buildup
The vet will check for the amount of tartar buildup on the teeth and gums.
Oral Tumors
They will check for any lumps or growths in the mouth.
Signs of Pain
The vet will observe the animal’s behavior for signs of discomfort or pain while eating or being handled.
Gum Inflammation
Bad Breath
Plaque
Broken or Chipped Teeth
The vet will check for any damage or fractures in the teeth.
Abnormal Bite
The vet will check for any malocclusions or misalignment of the teeth.
Overall Oral Health
Loose Teeth
The vet will check for any loose teeth, which may indicate periodontal disease.
NOTE: Dental Prophylasxis, by law, is only allowed under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Do not allow any groomer to do this. Groomers are limited to brushing your pets teeth.
Warning Signs
Most dogs and cats build up plaque and tartar on their teeth very quickly. If left untreated, this can lead to periodontal disease and gingivitis due to plaque buildup. To protect your pet, you should have their teeth cleaned during a wellness and oral exam at least once a year and as the pet matures, twice a year.
Dental Disease
Dogs and cats don’t have the luxury of brushing their teeth a few times a day like their owners. It doesn’t take that long for your pet to build up plaque and tartar which creates bad breath and a breeding ground for stained teeth and eventually gingivitis and gum disease. A dog can’t tell you his tooth was chipped chewing on a bone or a toy. That is why a periodic dental exam and cleaning is so important for the long-term health of your pet.
