Dental Radiographs (Pet X-Rays)

Dental radiographs—commonly known as pet dental X-rays—are critical diagnostic tools that allow us to examine:

• Tooth roots
• Bone beneath the gums
• Jaw joints
• Hidden abnormalities such as cysts, infections, or resorptive lesions

Since two-thirds of a pet’s tooth structure lies below the gumline, X-rays are essential for identifying problems that would otherwise go unnoticed.

A visual exam alone only tells part of the story. Dental radiographs help us:

• Detect tooth root infections or abscesses
• Identify bone loss from periodontal disease
• Locate retained or unerupted teeth
• Assess the severity of tooth fractures
• Examine oral masses or abnormal growths

Together with a physical oral exam, X-rays give us a complete picture of your pet’s dental health so we can provide personalized care and treatment. 

Even if your pet’s teeth look healthy on the surface, X-rays can uncover hidden issues like:

• Retained tooth roots
• Teeth with abscesses or dead pulp
• Bone cysts or lesions from infected teeth
• Early bone loss not visible externally

Full-mouth dental radiographs are especially important during every cleaning—ensuring we catch small problems before they become painful or costly.

Every dental cleaning at Elevate Pet Dentistry includes a complete set of dental X-rays because:

• Most oral disease occurs beneath the gumline
• Pets are already under anesthesia, making it the best (and safest) time to assess the full mouth
• It helps us catch early signs of disease, reducing the need for more invasive treatments later
• Annual dental X-rays serve as a baseline for tracking changes year after year

Like in human dentistry, we recommend yearly dental radiographs for pets as part of proactive, preventive care.

Tartar buildup at the gumline harbors bacteria that lead to painful infections, inflammation, and bone destruction—the hallmarks of periodontal disease.

Radiographs help us:

• Catch disease early—even if your pet had a clean exam last year
• Reverse or manage conditions before tooth loss occurs
• Minimize future interventions with early treatment

• Preventive Screening: Detect early-stage disease before symptoms appear
• Accurate Diagnosis: Confirm underlying causes of pain or infection
• Treatment Planning: Map out procedures like extractions or oral surgery
• Post-Treatment Monitoring: Ensure successful healing after dental work

At Elevate Pet Dentistry, we use modern digital technology for crystal-clear imaging and faster, more comfortable care.