Dental radiography in pets - Dental diagnostics

Dental radiography, or dental X-rays, is an essential diagnostic tool in dogs and cats. Many dental and jaw problems are not visible during a routine oral examination, as they are located beneath the gum line or within the jawbone. In dogs, 28% of problems are missed without dental radiography, while in cats this rises to 40%.

Dental radiography allows hidden conditions such as root problems, tooth resorption, and jaw fractures to be detected accurately. It helps determine how deeply a dental issue extends and how it should best be treated.

In this article, we discuss how dental radiography works, when it is needed, and how it contributes to optimal oral health in pets.

What is dental radiography?

Dental radiography uses specialized X-ray equipment to produce detailed images of teeth, tooth roots, and jawbone. This technique provides information that cannot be seen with the naked eye or during a standard oral examination.

When is dental radiography needed?

In dogs and cats, dental radiography is used in situations such as:

• Tooth resorption (especially in cats).
• Loose or fractured teeth.
• Inflammation around the root or tooth socket.
• Monitoring and assessment in cases of periodontal disease.
• Detection of jaw fractures or bone changes (oral masses).
• Post-extraction evaluation to verify that roots have been completely removed.
• Missing teeth: determining whether they are congenitally absent or unable to erupt.

How is the examination performed?

Dental radiography requires the pet to lie completely still. The procedure is therefore always carried out under general anesthesia or deep sedation. Using small intra-oral X-ray plates or digital sensors, multiple images are taken of different parts of the dentition. The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on its extent.

What can dental radiography reveal?

Dental radiography can detect abnormalities that are not visible during a standard dental examination. Examples include:

• Tooth resorption in cats, often without visible symptoms (these are a type of cavities that cats develop in the tooth surface).
• Hidden root remnants after fractures or extractions.
• Inflammation or abscesses around the root tips.
• Bone loss caused by periodontal disease.
• Developmental disorders of teeth and molars.

Recovery after dental radiography

Since the examination is performed under anesthesia, the pet may feel a little groggy afterward. However, most pets recover quickly and are able to go home the same day. The X-ray images are evaluated immediately by the veterinarian to determine which treatment is needed.

Want to know more?

Read more about our services in dentistry and diagnostic imaging. The specialized veterinarians at Nesto have extensive experience with dental radiography and use this technique to perform dental treatments in the most effective and precise way possible.