Dental
Radiographs
(Pet X-Rays)
The health of your pet’s teeth is vital to their overall well-being. Our state-of-the-art dental center is equipped to provide precise and comprehensive dental radiographs, ensuring that every aspect of your pet’s oral health is meticulously assessed.
What are Dental Radiographs?
Pet dental radiographs, also known as pet X-rays, are crucial diagnostic tools that allow veterinarians to view the structures inside your pet’s mouth that are otherwise hidden. These include the roots of the teeth, the bone beneath the gums, and the jaw joints. These images are vital for detecting hidden dental problems such as tooth root infections, embedded foreign objects, tumors, or bone loss.
Why Do Pets Need Dental Radiographs?
Approximately two-thirds of the tooth structure is concealed beneath the gum line and cannot be seen by simply inspecting your pet’s mouth. Dental radiographs provide a clear view under the gum line, allowing for an accurate evaluation of your pet’s dental health.
Together with the physical oral examination, dental radiographs give veterinarians a comprehensive insight into your pet’s oral condition. This complete assessment helps identify any issues and formulate tailored recommendations to maintain and enhance your pet’s dental health, which is vital for their longevity and quality of life.
Exploring Below the Surface
Dental radiographs are invaluable for detecting hidden problems below the gum line, even if the oral examination appears normal. Such issues might include:
- Retained tooth roots
- Unerupted teeth
- Teeth with abscesses
- Bone cysts from diseased teeth
- Bone degradation around tooth roots
Radiographs are also crucial when abnormalities are noted during the oral examination. They allow veterinarians to determine the severity of conditions like tooth fractures, the extent of bone loss, or bone involvement in oral masses.
The Importance of Pet X-Rays
You might question the necessity of conducting full-mouth radiographs during every dental cleaning. Oral examinations alone do not tell the full story of your pet’s oral health. A full series of dental X-rays ensures we provide the best care and outcomes for your pet’s dental and overall health. Since dental assessments require general anesthesia, it’s vital to maximize this opportunity to identify and treat any signs of oral disease early on. This proactive approach not only addresses immediate issues but also slows the progression of dental disease, reducing the frequency of future dental interventions.
Addressing Gum Disease
Dental tartar accumulates at the gum line in pets, fostering bacteria that can advance under the gums, causing inflammation, pain, and infection—known collectively as periodontal disease. This condition can lead to tooth loss and bone damage but is potentially reversible if caught and treated early. Regular dental radiographs are essential as they help catch such developments early, even if last year’s examination showed no issues. By doing so, we can tackle any underlying damage not visible to the naked eye.
Much like their human counterparts, we recommend yearly dental radiographs for pets during each dental check-up to ensure a thorough assessment and maintain optimal oral health.
Why Dental Radiographs?
At VDCA, we employ the latest digital X-ray technology to offer a comprehensive view of your pet’s dental health. Here’s what our dental radiograph services include:
- Preventive Care: Regular X-rays can help catch early signs of dental issues before they become major problems.
- Diagnosis: Our detailed images allow for accurate diagnosis of dental conditions, ensuring your pet gets the right treatment quickly.
- Treatment Planning: X-rays help plan complex dental procedures, such as extractions and surgeries, by providing a roadmap of your pet’s dental anatomy.
- Post-Treatment Evaluation: Follow-up X-rays ensure that treatments have been successful and help monitor the healing process.
Why Choose VDCA for Your Pet’s Dental X-Rays?
-
Advanced Technology
Our clinic employs the latest digital X-ray technology to provide clear, detailed images. This technology not only offers superior quality but also significantly reduces your pet’s exposure to radiation.
-
Experienced Team
Our veterinarians have been trained in veterinary dentistry and are skilled in interpreting dental radiographs. They can detect subtle changes that could indicate early signs of dental issues.
-
Comprehensive Dental Care
We believe in a holistic approach to dental care. Our dental X-rays are integrated into a comprehensive dental health plan tailored to your pet’s needs.
-
Minimal Stress
We strive to create a calm and comfortable environment for your pet. Our procedures are designed to be as non-invasive and quick as possible, reducing stress for you and your pet.
-
How It Works
Bringing your pet in for dental radiographs is a straightforward process at our center
-
Consultation
Our team will assess your pet’s oral health and discuss whether dental X-rays are necessary.
-
Preparation
If needed, your pet may be given a mild sedative to keep them calm and still during the procedure.
-
The X-ray Process
We use state-of-the-art digital radiography to take high-quality images of your pet’s teeth and gums.
-
Immediate Results
Digital X-rays provide instant images, allowing our team to begin discussing treatment options without delay.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Don’t wait for dental disease to affect your pet’s health and quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a dental exam and X-rays. At VDCA, we are committed to providing your pet with the best dental care possible and helping them lead happier, healthier lives.
