Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Non-anesthetic dental cleanings can make teeth look and smell better, but they can't provide a full picture of what's actually going on below the gumline.
- A complete dental cleaning requires anesthesia to safely perform X-rays, ultrasonic scaling, polishing, and a full examination of every tooth.
- Starting dental cleanings early, around age 3 to 4, is one of the best ways to keep costs manageable and help your pet keep their teeth for life.
If your vet has recommended a dental cleaning for your pet and you've started researching your options, you may have come across non-anesthetic dental cleanings. They're widely available, often cheaper, and might seem like a reasonable alternative. Here's why our vets don't offer them, and why the distinction matters more than most pet owners realize.
What Is the Difference Between Anesthetic and Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleanings?
A non-anesthetic dental cleaning can remove visible tartar and improve the appearance and smell of your pet's teeth. What it can't do is provide a complete picture of your pet's oral health. Without anesthesia, it's not possible to safely take full dental X-rays, perform ultrasonic scaling below the gumline, thoroughly examine every tooth, or assess whether any teeth need to be extracted.
Think about what your own dental appointments involve. Now imagine trying to get a dog or cat to hold still for all of that. It simply isn't possible without anesthesia, which means a non-anesthetic cleaning is a cosmetic treatment, not a diagnostic one.
Why Does Modern Animal Only Do Anesthetic Cleanings?
At Modern Animal, the term used is COHAT, which stands for complete oral health assessment and treatment. The word complete is intentional. The only way to fully assess and treat dental disease is with general anesthesia, which allows the veterinary team to do the job thoroughly and safely.
That includes a full ultrasonic scaling, polishing, individual examination of every tooth, and X-rays of the entire mouth. Many dental problems, including disease below the gumline and tooth root issues, are invisible to the naked eye. Without X-rays, those problems go undetected and untreated regardless of how clean the teeth look on the surface.
When Should My Pet Have Their First Dental Cleaning?
Our vets recommend starting dental cleanings earlier than most pet owners expect, ideally around 3 to 4 years of age for many dogs and cats. The reasoning is straightforward: the longer dental disease is left unaddressed, the more extensive and expensive treatment becomes.
Starting early, when disease is minimal, means the cleaning is simpler, recovery is easier, and your pet is more likely to keep their teeth throughout their life. Regular cleanings from a young age tend to stay manageable in scope and cost over time.
What Should I Expect on the Day?
You'll drop your pet off first thing in the morning. Before the procedure, you'll receive complete instructions from the team including guidance to withhold food for four hours beforehand.
Your pet stays with the team for the full day. The cleaning itself is one part of that, but the monitoring continues through their recovery from anesthesia until they're ready to go home. Throughout the day, the team will keep you updated through the Modern Animal app. You'll likely get a few photos of your pet while they're in our care.
What Does a Dental Cleaning Cost?
Pricing varies depending on where you live and what your pet's mouth needs. The baseline covers the cleaning, examination, and assessment. From there, cost increases depending on how many teeth require extraction and what the X-rays reveal.
Your vet will walk you through the expected cost before anything is scheduled. For a general overview of dental procedure pricing at Modern Animal, visit modernanimal.com/pricing. Everything is listed transparently so you know what to expect before you come in.
Your Pet's Dental Health Is Worth Doing Right
A thorough dental cleaning under anesthesia is one of the most impactful things you can do for your pet's long-term health. Dental disease that goes untreated affects more than the mouth — it can have consequences for the heart, kidneys, and overall wellbeing over time.
If your pet is due for a dental cleaning or you want to talk through where they stand, book an appointment through the Modern Animal app. And if questions come up before then, Modern Animal All Access and Essential members can reach our team anytime through 24/7 Virtual Care.
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