Dental X-Ray Images

It is commonplace for us to take dental radiographs whenever a pet is presented for teeth cleaning, just as it is for our dentist to take those images in our mouths. In pets, dental X-ray images require general anesthesia because proper positioning is difficult compared to people (and they don’t seem to like those films in their mouths anymore than we do!). As of 5/15/04 we have been using a fully Digital X-ray imaging system which lowers the radiation your pet receives and shortens the time it takes to get a set of complete dental X-rays. We will be glad to show you our newest technology.  Just ask!

Routine views are taken for baseline purposes in  cats over 5 years of age to detect FORL lesions, in chipped or fractured teeth, when deep gum pockets are discovered, and whenever a tooth is discolored indicating that it could have sustained a previous traumatic injury and is in the process of dying. By diagnosing these conditions early we can save some teeth and treat others by extraction or root canal (if an important tooth)  before they cause pain or generalized infection.

We are primarily looking for apical abscesses, loss of bone secondary to bacterial gum disease and damage to pulp from trauma (chewing hard objects including bones, chew toys and even ice just as in people).  Prevention and early detection  using dental X-ray images are key to dental health in pets.