Proper dental care is one of the most important things that you can do for your pets. Animals who receive quality dental care throughout their lifetime have been shown to live longer, healthier lives.
We strive to help you achieve the best quality care for your pets in all aspects. That is why we not only help you to provide good at-home dental care, but also provide all of our patients with dental services that meet the highest standards.
The American Veterinary Dental College maintains that dental radiographs (X-rays) are one of the most important tools at a veterinarian’s disposal.
At Billings Animal Family Hospital, we are proud to provide dental X-rays for pets.
What is a Dental X-ray?
Dental X-rays are no different for pets than they are for people. In fact, you have probably had dental X-rays taken at your dentist’s office.
Just like at your dental appointments, a small film or digital sensor is placed inside the patient’s mouth in order to obtain an image. However, unlike you, pets don’t always hold still for this procedure. Veterinary patients require anesthesia or sedation to obtain good quality films.
Why are Dental X-rays Important?
So why are dental radiographs such an important tool? There are several reasons that they are important or even essential to good dental care.
- They allow the veterinarian to view parts of the tooth not visible above the gumline, such as the internal anatomy, the root, and the surrounding tissue.
- Certain problems, such as a broken root or an abscess, may only be visible on a X-ray.
- Dental X-rays taken of patients without any problems allow for a baseline for future comparison.
- They allow the veterinarian to establish a diagnosis and make the best treatment plan possible for the individual patient.
Are Dental X-rays Safe?
The radiation exposure for an individual patient during dental radiographs is very minimal and generally considered safe. Only a very small area of the body is exposed. The benefits of dental radiographs greatly outweigh the risks.
The Root of the Matter
Dental X-rays are essential for us to provide the best dental care for our patients. These images can help us to identify disease processes and problems that cannot be visualized in any other way. By taking dental X-rays, we can save teeth that otherwise may have needed to be extracted, extract painful diseased teeth that we might otherwise have left, and detect other oral problems early in their course.
Offering dental X-rays for pets is just another way in which Billings Animal Family Hospital strives to provide the best possible care for your pets. You are all important to us, and we thank you for trusting us with your beloved family members.
