Can a properly trained non-anesthetic dental (NAD) hygienist perform a cleaning on virtually any dog?
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) hygienists 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.
