Dental X-rays (intra-oral radiographs) let us see what's happening below your pet's gumline. They're taken while your pet is under anesthesia and show the inside of each tooth, the roots, any bone loss, and signs of periodontal disease or tumors.
Many dental problems are hidden from view. Studies have shown that almost a third of patients with normal-looking mouths have problems that need treatment, which is why radiographs are an important part of every thorough dental exam.
Problems Dental X-Rays Can Find
A large part of each tooth sits below the gumline, where it can't be seen during an exam, even by an experienced eye. Dental X-rays help your vet find and treat problems that would otherwise be missed. They also guide safe extractions and let your vet confirm that every root has been fully removed. X-rays can reveal:
- Tooth root abscesses and infection in the surrounding bone
- Tooth resorption, a painful condition especially common in cats
- Fractured roots or retained root fragments
- Unerupted or missing teeth, which can sometimes form cysts
- Bone loss from advanced periodontal disease
- Changes that may suggest tumors in the jaw
How Dental X-Rays Fit Into Your Pet's Cleaning
Dental X-rays are usually taken during your pet's dental cleaning while they're already under anesthesia. Anesthesia keeps your pet still and comfortable, so each tooth can be imaged clearly from the right angles. Your pet doesn't feel a thing, and they're monitored closely throughout.
Your vet reviews the images along with a tooth-by-tooth exam to build a treatment plan. If a problem is found, it can often be treated during the same visit. Images also create a record, so future X-rays can be compared to see whether conditions are stable or changing over time. We're happy to walk you through what the images show.
Questions about Dental Radiology?
Call us or book an appointment online, and our team will help you decide on the next step for your pet.
Dental Radiology: Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental X-rays safe for my pet?
Why can't dental X-rays be done while my pet is awake?
Does my pet need dental X-rays every time?
My pet's teeth look clean. Do they still need X-rays?
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