Some pet parents are nervous about having their fur babies anesthetized for dentistry. So, let’s see why anesthesia is so important for optimal dental care.

It’s tough enough to examine a small animal’s teeth when they’re awake, and they definitely won’t sit still with their mouths open during cleanings or other dental procedures. Speaking of cleaning, tartar scaling above and below the gums can be pretty uncomfortable.

All pets should have dental X-rays before each cleaning to look for hidden problems, like fractured roots or damage to tissues supporting the teeth. If your pet is already anesthetized, some of these problems may be addressed at the same time.

Sure, anesthesia isn’t risk-free, but now it’s safer than ever for your pet. In the vast majority of cases, the dental benefits outweigh the risks.