You may have heard claims that anesthesia-free dental cleanings are a safer and more affordable way to keep your pet’s teeth clean. No anesthesia means no risk, no groggy recovery, and a lower cost—sounds great, right? Unfortunately, these so-called “cleanings” don’t actually treat dental or periodontal disease and may even put your pet at risk.
During an anesthesia-free cleaning, a pet is physically restrained while tartar is scraped off the visible portion of their teeth. While this may make their teeth look cleaner, it does nothing to address gum disease, infections, or issues beneath the gumline—where real dental problems begin. Without X-rays and a thorough exam under anesthesia, serious conditions like abscesses, fractured teeth, and hidden infections can go unnoticed and untreated.
Beyond being ineffective, anesthesia-free cleanings can also be stressful and painful for pets. They don’t understand what’s happening, and being forcibly held still can lead to fear, anxiety, and even fear-based aggression. Sudden movements during the procedure can also result in gum and tooth injuries, making the process more harmful than helpful.
Anesthesia allows veterinarians to perform a full, pain-free dental exam and cleaning while ensuring your pet’s safety. This includes:
Organizations like the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) strongly oppose anesthesia-free dental procedures because they fail to address real dental disease and can lead to unnecessary suffering.
While any medical procedure carries some risk, modern veterinary anesthesia is extremely safe. Veterinarians take precautions such as pre-anesthetic bloodwork, advanced monitoring, and personalized anesthesia plans to ensure your pet’s well-being. In reality, the risks of untreated dental disease far outweigh the risks of anesthesia, as periodontal infections can spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Anesthesia-free dental cleanings may make teeth look better, but they don’t actually improve oral health—and can even cause pain, stress, and missed diagnoses. If you truly want what’s best for your pet, trust vet-approved dental care.
Would you settle for a dental cleaning that only scraped the surface of your teeth without checking for cavities or infections? Your pet deserves the same high level of care—schedule a veterinary dental exam today!
