Dental X-ray 

Often when we discuss our pet’s dental health, we are only thinking about ‘tooth health’, however there are numerous structures associated with the teeth that are often forgotten about!

Having good ‘dental health’ refers to health not only of the tooth itself, but also of the surrounding gums, ligaments & bone. It is these surrounding structures that are difficult to assess from an external examination and given their importance in dental health is why dental x-rays are so important as a tool in veterinary dental care.

Tooth Structure

Each tooth is a living structure made up of several layers of cells.  They are anchored to the surrounding jawbone by the periodontal ligament and have a central ‘pulp cavity’ that nerves and blood vessels pass through. Any issue that affects the tooth or these surrounding structures could produce diseases that often can be hidden below the gum line, not visible to even the most seasoned of veterinarians. 

Fractured teeth can expose the pulp cavity to the mouth and lead to infection of the tooth root, plaque buildup on the teeth can break down the periodontal ligament and lead to bone loss & wobbly teeth, resorptive lesions can eat away the enamel at or below the gum line – just to name a few more common diseases of the mouth! 

Dental X-rays

Dental x-rays have become more common place in veterinary medicine as we see the benefits the information they provide can have for our patients. Being able to assess these structures we cannot see from the outside allows us to diagnose and treat dental abnormalities we may have previously missed. When coming in for a dental procedure, dental x-rays may be discussed by your veterinarian depending on each individual case and will be performed during the anaesthetic.