At Animal Hospital at Brier Creek, we take full-mouth digital dental radiographs (x-rays) on each patient during every dental procedure.
Many other vet hospitals decline to do so. Occasionally, pet parents ask us if they can decline them. The short answer is: No. We must take dental radiographs.
Jennifer takes full-mouth radiographs.
Let us explain. Dental radiographs are essential to good health—and our commitment to practice the best medicine. We can assess your pet’s level of periodontal disease (plaque and tartar build-up, gum damage) on a full physical exam, but we must take dental radiographs because serious problems often lurk beneath the surface, even of healthy looking teeth and gums.
Dentistry is one of our core services. Read our in-depth article about Oral Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention. To discuss dental care and procedures in detail, call us at (919) 544-2226.
Dental Rads Help Your Pet
Pets, who are strongly conditioned to hide illness, can have severe dental pain without even the most loving pet parent realizing it.
In about half our dental patients, under anesthesia we find diseased teeth that must be treated or extracted. Dental radiographs reveal unexpected abnormalities such as root abscesses, tooth fractures, and partially or completely resorbed roots. At the bottom of this blog, you can see three examples of these painful problems.
Imagine if we didn’t take dental rads. Many pets would go home with clean, pretty teeth that are painful. We take dental rads because it is the best thing for your pet.
AHBC Dentistry: Just Like People Dentistry
Dog and cat teeth have the same structure as human teeth, and they are prone to many of the same problems.
Consider your dental regimen: brushing your teeth twice a day and visiting your dentist twice a year, where they take radiographs and scale and polish your teeth to perfection.
Dog and cat teeth require the same care—that’s why preventative care, such as regular teeth brushing and dental treats, is so important. Many AHBC pet parents perform amazing at-home dental care, and they bring their pets in to see us for routine dental cleanings and radiographs to keep their fur babies in good health.
Still, many pets never have their teeth brushed. Some pets, like people, simply have genetically weak teeth. Senior pets often suffer more extensive dental problems.
We Leave No Painful Teeth Behind!
We know you want the best for your fur baby. Dental radiography is one of our many high standards of care that keep your pet as happy and healthy as possible.
Scroll down for three examples of painful problems we often find on dental radiographs.
Tooth Root Abscess
Large Pocket With Severe Bone Loss
Feline Oral Resorptive Lesion
