Dental X-Rays
During checkups and pet dentistry appointments at Insight Veterinary Wellness Center, our veterinarian will always visually examine your pet’s teeth and gums. A visual inspection is great for spotting problems that are visible above the gum line or on the exterior of the pet’s teeth.
Sometimes, however, problems like infections or cavities occur inside a pet’s teeth or below the gums, where they can’t be seen with the naked eye. In these instances, dental radiographs, are an essential diagnostic tool.
What Are Dental Radiographs?
Dental radiographs are just like regular radiographs, but they focus on small exposures of your pet’s mouth.
Dental x-ray images allow our veterinarian to view your pet’s internal oral structures such as teeth, roots, jawbone, and surrounding bone structure in order to aid in the diagnosis of dental problems, disease, or injury.
Does My Pet Really Need Dental Radiographs?
Our veterinarian will likely use dental x-rays to aid in the diagnosis of a pet that has been experiencing oral discomfort or exhibiting symptoms of an oral problem or injury, such as:
- Loose or missing teeth
- Swelling in the mouth or face
- Trouble drinking and eating
- Excessive swallowing or drooling
- Pawing at or rubbing his or her face
- Bad breath (Halitosis)
We also take routine dental radiographs during pet dental appointments to establish a health baseline and screen for early signs of oral problems before they progress far enough to cause discomfort.
What To Expect When Your Pet Gets Dental Radiographs
The process for taking dental x-rays of a pet’s’ teeth is almost like taking a picture.
Even though dental x-rays only require a short exposure time, it’s essential that your pet remain perfectly still for the entire exposure of each x-ray. For this reason, pets are anesthetized for dental radiograph appointments. To ensure the safety of every pet, we perform a thorough physical examination and health screening prior to administering any form of sedation or anesthesia.
If you have any questions concerning your pet’s dental radiographs, or if you think your pet needs a dental examination, we welcome you to contact Insight Veterinary Wellness Center today.
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