"I am quite impressed by the animal handling skills and the ability to complete a thorough cleaning, also the knowledge of oral pathology in the animals."
- Mary Siciles, D.V.M
"I was a skeptic when PDS first approached me with the concept on non-anesthetic dental care. They proved to me that this is a viable alternative to traditional dental cleaning."
- Jeff Glass, D.V.M.
"I now realize that anesthesia for routine dentals (especially the elderly patients) is basically unnecessary. I have to admit the results I have seen are amazing."
- John J. Donahue, D.V.M.
"To owners that flat-out refuse to anesthetize their companion for dental prophylactic reasons, the no-anesthesia dental has provided a wonderful alternative for providing good dental care."
- Barry Love, D.V.M.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can you effectively perform cleaning on a dog or cat while it is squirming around and under stress?
A: We sit at eye-level with the pet and use a variety of proprietary holds to maintain control while keeping our patient calm and comfortable. Pets are never forced or bullied into submission. Most vets are totally amazed at how compliant dogs and cats become during the procedure.
Q: Are you able to do a thorough cleaning both above and below the gum line?
A: Absolutely! Our technicians are highly skilled hygienists. They know the importance of removing all of the plaque from the outside and inside surfaces of the teeth, both above and below the gum line.
Q: Don't most pets become frightened and panic when you attempt to use a scaler or a motorized polisher?
A: We treat our patients much like a dentist treats a young child during a first-time dental visit. We use patience in our approach, and slowly introduce each phase of the procedure. As we build trust, almost every dog and cat we treat will allow us to use all of the exact same tools used in traditional veterinary dentistry.
Q: Have you found this technique to be effective with high-risk patients?
A: Yes! Non-anesthetic dental cleanings are usually a much better alternative for older pets, and for pets with chronic kidney, liver or heart disease who might not be a candidate for general anesthesia.
Q: Can a properly trained non-anesthetic dental (NAD) technician perform a cleaning on virtually any dog?
A: No. While the vast majority of dogs and cats will benefit greatly from non-anesthetic dental, there are some for whom it is not appropriate. Examples of pets who are poor candidates for non-anesthetic dental include pets with: severe gingivitis, caries, fractured teeth or stomatitis. Our non-anesthetic dental (NAD) technicians are aware of the limitations of our drug-free technique. Whenever they discover a loose or fractured tooth, gum disease, tumors, epuli, abscess or any other condition that necessitates a doctor’s intervention, they are quick to bring it to the attending vet's attention. In cases where it is discovered that NAD is not appropriate, pet owners are much more receptive to traditional dental methods because they know they have tried the drug-free approach first.
Q: What does the technician do if a patient is completely uncooperative, overly fearful, or demonstrates highly aggressive behavior?
A: A well-trained and experienced non-anesthetic dental (NAD) technician can usually tell within a few minutes whether the patient's temperament will allow for a successful procedure. In some cases, they are able to calm fearful pets enough to allow for a full cleaning. Other times, though, they will determine that the patient’s temperament simply is not conducive to anesthesia-free treatment and they will recommend an alternative treatment approach.