Why Dental X-Rays Matter for Your Pet's Oral Health

At Vet Cross Bundaberg, we're excited to now offer on-site dental X-ray imaging - a powerful tool that helps us see beneath the surface of your pet's mouth to detect hidden dental problems early and provide the possible care.

While your pet's teeth might look healthy at first glance, the real story often lies below the gumline, where most dental disease begins. Dental X-rays give us a complete picture of your pet's oral health so we can tailor treatment plans and prevent pain or complications down the track.

What are Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays - also known as dental radiographs - are detailed images of the structures beneath your pet's gums. This includes:

• Tooth roots
• Supporting bone
• Jaw structures
• Hidden lesions or infections

Because around 50% of each tooth lies below the gumline, a visual exam alone can miss significant problems. X-rays allow us to view what can't be seen with the naked eye.

Why They're Important

Even pets with clean-looking moths can be habouring dental issues that cause pain or infection. Dental X-rays help us detect problems early, including:

• Hidden infections or abscesses at the tooth root
• Bone loss from periodontal disease
• **Fractures or damaged teeth not visible externally
• Tooth root disease common in cats
• Retained baby teeth or unerupted adult teeth
• Jaw abnormalities or cysts

Without X-rays, these conditions may go unnoticed until they're more difficult - and costly - to treat.

Benefits of Dental X-Rays for Your Pet

1. Catch Problems Early
Because dental disease usually starts below the gumline, X-rays allow us to diagnose issues before your pet shows signs of discomfort.

2. Tailor Treatment Plans
X-rays help us decide whether a tooth can be saved, needs extracting, or requires further treatment - giving your pet a better outcome and faster recovery.

3. Improve Comfort and Wellbeing
Pets often hide dental pain very well, and problems can progress silently. With X-rays, we can identify and treat painful conditions earlier.

4. Guide Dental Procedures
If a tooth needs extracting, X-ray images help ensure the entire root is removed and reduce the risk of complications - leading to a safer procedure and better healing.

What to Expect

Dental X-rays are usually performed as part of a comprehensive dental assessment in conjunction with a professional cleaning. While your pet is safely under anaesthesia, we take detailed images of all their teeth and supporting structures. These images are quick to obtain and provide vital information that simply cannot be seen during a standard oral exam.

We use modern digital equipment for clearer images and faster results, allowing us to spot subtle issues and make informed recommendations right away.

Is It Really Necessary?

Many of the most serious dental problems are silent - your pet may still eat normally and show no obvious signs of discomfort, even when an issue is developing beneath the gums. Dental X-rays are considered a standard part of thorough dental care for dogs and cats because they help us see the whole picture and prevent future pain and complications.

Protect your Pet's Smile

Good dental health plays a major role in your pet's overall wellbeing. With dental X-ray imaging now available at Vet Cross Bundaberg, we're able to provide deeper insight into your pet's oral health and deliver the comprehensive care they deserve.

Ask us about dental X-rays at your pet's next appointment - a small step that can make a big difference to their comfort and quality of life.