Dental health is a crucial aspect of your pet’s overall well-being. At The Hometown Veterinarian, we use high-definition digital dental radiography to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. Dental X-rays allow us to see beneath the gum line and detect problems that aren’t visible during a standard oral exam, ensuring your pet receives comprehensive care.
Why is Dental Radiography Essential?
Many dental issues in pets, such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, feline tooth resorption, and traumatic dental injuries, are hidden
below the gum line and can only be identified through dental X-rays. Without this critical tool, veterinarians may miss significant issues, leading to unnecessary pain and suffering for your pet.
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Periodontal Disease: Affecting up to 85% of dogs and cats by age 3, periodontal disease is the most common dental issue in pets. Dental radiographs allow us to detect bone loss, infection, and other signs of periodontal disease early, before they become severe.
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Feline Tooth Resorption: A common and painful condition in cats where the tooth structure breaks down and is resorbed by the body. Dental X-rays are the only way to detect this painful condition early, as it often starts beneath the gum line, making regular radiographs vital for early intervention.
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Traumatic Dentoalveolar Injuries (TDI): These injuries involve the teeth and their supporting structures, including the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. Approximately 25% of pets suffer from TDI, and dental radiographs help us assess the extent of the injury and plan treatment.
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Tooth Root Abscesses and Retained Roots: Studies have shown that in up to 72% of cats and 25% of dogs with missing teeth, retained roots or other issues like impacted teeth were present. Without dental radiographs, these problems could go unnoticed and untreated.
The Value of Full-Mouth Radiographs
Research demonstrates the diagnostic value of full-mouth radiographs in both dogs and cats. Even teeth that appear healthy during a clinical exam can have hidden issues revealed through X-rays. In a study of 226 dogs, dental X-rays uncovered important findings in about 33% of cases where no visible lesions were present. This highlights the importance of routine dental radiography, especially for older pets who are more likely to have hidden dental issues.
Some common findings from full-mouth radiographs include:
- Non-vital teeth: These teeth may look normal but show signs of disease, such as a wider pulp space, on an X-ray.
- Supernumerary roots: Extra tooth roots, particularly in large breed dogs, can complicate extractions if not detected through X-rays.
- Feline Tooth Resorption: Without X-rays, this painful condition often goes unnoticed until the tooth has resorbed significantly, causing unnecessary pain for cats.
- Fused roots: These can make extractions more challenging and must be identified before any surgical procedures.
Digital Dental X-Ray Technology at Our Clinic in Marshalltown, Iowa
At The Hometown Veterinarian, we use digital dental radiography to provide high-definition images of your pet’s teeth and gums. Digital X-rays offer several advantages over traditional film X-rays:
- Immediate Results: Digital X-rays appear on screen within seconds, allowing us to make quick, informed decisions about your pet’s dental care.
- Clear and Detailed Images: Digital radiographs provide superior image quality, making it easier to detect issues like tooth fractures, root resorption, and impacted teeth.
- Environmentally Friendly: Digital technology eliminates the need for harmful chemicals used in developing traditional X-rays, making the process safer for both pets and the environment.
The Risks of Skipping Dental X-Rays
Performing dental procedures without X-rays not only risks missing critical dental issues but can also be seen as malpractice. Hidden problems like retained tooth roots, fractures, periodontal disease, and feline tooth resorption may go undiagnosed without radiographic imaging, causing unnecessary pain and future complications. At The Hometown Veterinarian in we ensure that every dental procedure includes full-mouth radiographs, adhering to the highest standard of care to provide your pet with the best treatment possible.
Schedule Your Pet’s Dental X-Ray
Protecting your pet's oral health starts with thorough and accurate diagnostics. At The Hometown Veterinarian, our digital dental X-ray technology helps us detect issues early, leading to faster and more effective treatment. Whether it's a routine dental cleaning or a more complex dental issue, our team in Marshalltown, Iowa is ready to provide the care your pet deserves.