Radiographs (x-rays) are a key component between a complete dental prophylaxis and just “cleaning the teeth”. Cleaning and observing abnormalities above the gum line ignores 60% of the tooth. This procedure is painless, safe, and noninvasive. Radiographs allow the veterinarian to evaluate beneath the gums and identify problems not visible above the gum line, including:
- Tooth impactions (teeth that cannot erupt normally)
- Tooth root abscesses
- Bone loss around the root
- Pockets (spaces between the gum and tooth root)
- Tumors involving the jaw
- Retained teeth
- Tooth fractures
- Feline resorptive lesions (painful erosions on the surface of the tooth)
