Pet Dental X-Rays

Veterinarians may perform initial dental exams to detect issues with the teeth and mouth. However, in dogs and cats, more than half of the tooth is below the gumline. X-rays allow veterinarians to understand what’s happening at the roots to better identify potential dental problems.

You may hear dental X-rays referred to as radiographs. The X-ray is the beam of radiation used to create the image of your pet’s mouth. The radiograph is the resulting image that veterinarians use to examine your pet’s teeth and gums in greater detail.

With X-rays, veterinarians can detect early signs of dental conditions and treat them before they become bigger problems. They might also conduct X-rays as a preliminary step before oral surgery like tooth extractions. X-rays can also help monitor tooth development in young animals for early detection of abnormal growth. They can provide peace of mind as they allow veterinarians to educate pet owners about the nature and cause of the problem. Pet owners become aware of their companion’s diagnosis and treatment.

The main value of dental X-rays is guiding diagnoses and treatments for pets with dental concerns. Here’s how X-rays help veterinarians understand more about the following diseases and conditions:

• Periodontal disease: Many cats and dogs show signs of periodontal disease early in their lives. Periodontal pockets, which might indicate disease, can be difficult to identify without the precision of dental X-rays.
• Oral growths: X-rays provide more context when veterinarians suspect oral tumors, lesions, cysts, or other growths. They enable early detection for prompt treatment and a higher possibility of successful treatment.
• Dental fractures: Some fractures are visible to the naked eye, but others require dental X-rays to confirm.
• Tooth resorption: Resorptive lesions are common in cats. Affected teeth may retain their root and pulp structure, which dental X-rays can indicate. X-ray images help veterinarians determine whether tooth extraction is necessary.
• Deciduous teeth: If your pet’s baby teeth don’t fall out, veterinarians may need to extract them. Dental X-rays can guide this procedure.
• Other abnormalities: X-rays can help when understanding irregularities like missing or worn teeth or problems with the jaw.

As part of comprehensive dental care, X-rays promote optimal oral hygiene and protect against future complications.