Almost every dental procedure requires a general anaesthetic, for several reasons.

Firstly, although we have many tricks for getting a good look in your pet’s mouth, it is not possible to thoroughly examine and clean all surfaces of all teeth (including the backs and insides of all of those back teeth). Nor can we check and clean below the gumline or take xrays unless your pet is asleep.

Secondly, dental cleaning and treatment can be uncomfortable and scary for your pet, especially if there are inflamed gums or damaged teeth. The instruments we use are very sharp (they have to be!), and the power equipment is noisy and sprays water. Your pet could be seriously injured if they move, or inhale bacteria or water during the procedure (cats and dogs don’t rinse and spit like humans do!).

Anaesthesia allows us to do a thorough job safely without your pet feeling pain and fear.