Anesthesia-Free Pet Dental Care

Here at Becker Animal Hospital, we’re proud to offer anesthesia-free dental cleanings for both dogs and cats. This service is provided through a unique partnership between our veterinarians and a Fear Free Certified Veterinary Dental Technicians with over 20 years of experience. Together, our shared goal is to deliver high-quality preventive oral care while also educating pet owners about the vital role dental health plays in a pet’s overall well-being.

What’s Included in an Awake Dental Cleaning?

Our Awake Fear Free dental cleaning is performed safely and gently without anesthesia and includes:

• A complete oral health assessment
• A professional dental prophylaxis cleaning
• Ultrasonic scaling and polishing of the teeth
• Subgingival and supragingival cleaning
• Cold laser light therapy to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and decrease sensitivity
• Machine Polishing to smooth the enamel and slow future tartar buildup
• Oral rinsing for a fresh, clean finish
• Before and after photos of your pet’s teeth
• A take-home goodie bag with educational resources, dental care tips, and a toothbrush

This service offers pet owners a safe alternative for maintaining their pet’s oral health between anesthetic cleanings.

Who Makes a Good Candidate?

Awake dental cleanings are not for every pet. The best candidates are:

• Mild-mannered dogs and cats who are not head-shy
• Pets with only mild tartar buildup or gingivitis
• Pets who are comfortable being gently handled for short periods

A yearly oral health exam with one of our veterinarians is required before scheduling this service to ensure it’s the right choice for your pet.

When Awake Dental Cleanings Are Not Recommended

Some pets need more advanced care under anesthesia for their safety and well-being. Pets who may not qualify include:

• Pets with arthritis, cardiac, or respiratory conditions
• Pets who have had recent orthopedic or eye surgery (within the past 6 months)
• Animals who are highly anxious, aggressive, or easily stressed
• Pets with advanced dental disease, including loose teeth, gum recession, severe redness or stomatitis, fractured teeth, or resorptive lesions

These pets require a comprehensive anesthetic dental cleaning with full diagnostics (such as X-rays, bloodwork, or extractions) that can only be performed under anesthesia.

Why Choose Awake Dental Cleanings?

While awake cleanings are not as in-depth as those performed under anesthesia, they are an excellent preventive option when used appropriately. Because no anesthesia is involved, these cleanings can be scheduled more frequently, helping to:

• Control plaque and tartar buildup
• Reduce bad breath
• Delay the progression of periodontal disease
• Support your pet’s overall comfort and oral health

If during the cleaning our technician notices any concerns or oral pathology, your veterinarian will be immediately consulted, and a recommendation for anesthetic dental treatment may be made and set up with the clinic.

Our Commitment to Your Pet

Every pet is unique, and so is their dental care. At our clinic, we believe in providing compassionate, personalized care tailored to your pet’s needs. Whether through awake cleanings or anesthetic dental procedures, our team is here to guide you in making the best decision for your pet’s lifelong oral health.

Awake dental cleanings can be a wonderful addition to your pet’s dental care routine when used in the right situations. Talk to our team today to see if your pet is a candidate for this gentle, effective service.