Dental X-rays in dogs and cats — why intraoral images are so important

Dental diseases are among the most common but also the most frequently underestimated health problems in dogs and cats. This is in partdue to the fact that a large part of the tooth is under the gums, in the jaw, and in part to characteristics of the species. Changes affecting the teeth are rarely visible to the naked eye. This is exactly where dental X-rays play a decisive role.

Basically, a distinction is made between: head overview radiographs ( X-rays acquired with a conventional X-Ray machine) vs. Intraoral Dental X-rays (X-rays acquired directly in the mouth)

Intraoral dental x-rays are particularly important, as they provide significantly more accurate information compared to head overview radiographs(Verstraete et al., 1998).

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Why are overview images of the head not enough?

Skull or head overview images provide a rough overview of the skull, but are only of limited use for evaluating individual teeth. The reasons for this are:

• Overlapping / superimposition of several teeth

• Missing detailed presentation of the tooth roots

• Small or early changes often remain undetected

→ Studies show that a significant proportion of clinically relevant dental diseases are not identified on overview radiographs (Verstraete et al., 1998).

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What are intraoral dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays refer to special X-rays of the teeth and surrounding jawbone. During intraoral images, a small digital X-ray sensor or film is positioned directly in the mouth. Each tooth or group of teeth is specifically imaged individually. This technique is now considered the gold standard in veterinary dentistry (Niemiec et al., 2020).

They make it possible to assess:

👉 Tooth roots

👉 Bone loss

👉 Inflammation and other lesions of the root tips

👉 hidden, unerupted, impacted broken teeth

Benefits of dental X-rays

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1. Significantly higher diagnostic value

Intraoral images sdepict the finest details of the tooth crown, root and surrounding bone. This is crucial, as over 60% of all painful dental diseases lie below the gum line and are not externally visible (Verstraete et al., 1998).

2. Early detection of painful conditions such as: periodontal disease, tooth root abscesses, resorptive lesions (FORL in cats), dental fractures, endodontal disease — such diseases can be identified early and treated in a targeted manner before they lead to severe pain or sequelae (Niemiec, 2010).

3. Better and safer treatment planning

Intraoral dental X-rays help to decide: whether a tooth can be preserved, whether an extraction is necessary, how complex a procedure will be, etc.

4. Low radiation exposure

Modern dental X-ray devices work with very low radiation doses. Although several individual images are taken, the overall load is low and often lower than with a skull overview image (Niemiec et al., 2020).

Why is dental X-ray only possible under anesthesia?

For accurate intraoral images, the sensor must be correctly positioned in the mouth and the animal must not move. General anesthesia ensures that the examination can be carried out stress-free, painlessly and safely.

Why is a visible tooth check not enough?

Even if teeth look clean and healthy at first glance, serious changes can only detected on dental X-rays. Studies show that many animals with externally inconspicuous dentition still have diseases that require treatment (Verstraete et al., 1998).

Summary

👉 Most dental diseases in dogs and cats are not visible externally

👉 Overview radiographs of the head are not sufficient for dental evaluation

👉 Intraoral dental X-rays provide crucial additional diagnostic information

👉 Dental X-rays are a central part of modern animal dentistry

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If dental treatment is recommended to your animal, intraoral dental X-rays are an important step in identifying the cause of pain, treating it specifically and significantly improving the quality of life of your pet.

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References:

1. Verstraete FJM et al. Diagnostic value of full-mouth dental radiography in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 1998.

2. German BA. periodontal disease. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 2010.

3. Niemiec BA et al. Veterinary dental radiography and imaging. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 2020.

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