Dental without anastesia
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There was quite a discussion about this on the old Board here. (Thank goodness for links from the wiki.)
The impression I came away with (when I read it way back when) is that a dental without anesthesia is not a dental. Much of the trouble in a cat's mouth is below the gum line, and a cat without anesthesia isn't going to open wide and hold still for that.
The impression I came away with (when I read it way back when) is that a dental without anesthesia is not a dental. Much of the trouble in a cat's mouth is below the gum line, and a cat without anesthesia isn't going to open wide and hold still for that.
Hillary & Maui (GA)
Very Active Member
This topic came up recently and the answer was a resounding DO NOT DO THIS.
DR. Lisa even said that this is a cruel way of performing dentals and it doesn't help the animal at all, only further stresses the animal. Plus there is no way a proper cleaning can be done with the animal awake and what if extractions are needed.
So, the short and simple answer is NO don't do this.
The regular old-fashioned way is the only way to treat dentals.
If you look at these threads, we talk all about dentals:
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/view ... =29&t=5390
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/view ... =29&t=3134
I can't find that particular thread, but in the meantime read the above ones.
DR. Lisa even said that this is a cruel way of performing dentals and it doesn't help the animal at all, only further stresses the animal. Plus there is no way a proper cleaning can be done with the animal awake and what if extractions are needed.
So, the short and simple answer is NO don't do this.
The regular old-fashioned way is the only way to treat dentals.
If you look at these threads, we talk all about dentals:
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/view ... =29&t=5390
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/view ... =29&t=3134
I can't find that particular thread, but in the meantime read the above ones.
Gator & H (GA)
Very Active Member
LOL, maybe I'm a cruel monster then as I do regular teeth cleaning myself with a human dentist's tool? I don't get down underneath the gum line to the root but I am able to knock off the plaque that accumulates over a year's period. And this absolutely helps keep the gum inflammation down for the teeth that build up with plaque. But I do not represent this as a complete solution. It's kind of crazy when it breaks free - like little pebbles. I've even done it myself with no help though having a helper is a big advantage. It's really no big deal [for a very calm cat]. If your kitty is a feral freakazoid then maybe anesthesia might be needed [for this type of regular/light teeth cleaning] - but if they are a little crazy the old towel immobilization trick works just fine. And the objective is to not get too aggressive and to know that you can always come back another day on work on it. Pushing things too far is not good for anyone.
I've even taken H's BG after and it was not raised. And he goes and eats right after. The regular/light teeth cleaning is not that big of a deal for the many different cats that I've worked on.
The vets have seems pleased with H's teeth. So...
As for extractions, yes that does need anesthesia of course. And if one wants under the gum lines and roots worked on then yea anesthesia is most probably warranted.
You might ask what exactly they are going to do during this "dental." If they are going to get under the gum line or into the roots? I've not had a vet who could do x-rays without anesthesia.
I've even taken H's BG after and it was not raised. And he goes and eats right after. The regular/light teeth cleaning is not that big of a deal for the many different cats that I've worked on.
The vets have seems pleased with H's teeth. So...
As for extractions, yes that does need anesthesia of course. And if one wants under the gum lines and roots worked on then yea anesthesia is most probably warranted.
You might ask what exactly they are going to do during this "dental." If they are going to get under the gum line or into the roots? I've not had a vet who could do x-rays without anesthesia.
Pam and Layla
Active Member
I would urge you to please reconsider going to this vet. If a real dental is more than you can afford please discuss a payment plan with your vet.
Both of my cat's have had dentals within the last year. They cannot know the depth of the work needed until they clean the teeth and take x-rays, and this is done when they are out.
I hope you reconsider and my best to you and Greylie.
Pam & Layla
Also, please, anyone reading this thread do not attempt a do-it-yourself dental on your cat. This is dangerous.
Both of my cat's have had dentals within the last year. They cannot know the depth of the work needed until they clean the teeth and take x-rays, and this is done when they are out.
I hope you reconsider and my best to you and Greylie.
Pam & Layla
Also, please, anyone reading this thread do not attempt a do-it-yourself dental on your cat. This is dangerous.
Jen & Squeak
Very Active Member
It is fine to knock the tartar off but a completely different thing to do a dental without anaesthesia and I'd steer clear of any place offering to do such a thing!
Harley's Mom
Member
I can't imagine why a vet would charge you LESS to do a dental on a fully alert cat! That could be a dangerous move. I would think they would charge you MORE to risk life and limb with an angry, scared cat.
Just knowing how upset my animals get when visiting the vet would make me think twice about having the vet try to do a dental with a cat awake.
What kind of cleaning do they hope to accomplish?
Just knowing how upset my animals get when visiting the vet would make me think twice about having the vet try to do a dental with a cat awake.
What kind of cleaning do they hope to accomplish?
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