Dental x-rays in dogs are similar to those taken in humans. A handheld x-ray machine, using small amounts of radiation, is used to see the inside of your pet’s teeth and those areas below the gum line that are hidden from view.

It is not always obvious from the outside if your pet’s tooth is diseased, so in many cases, x-rays are the only way for our vets to know that your pet has a serious dental problem. Once the level of dental disease is identified, our vets can treat the problem, relieving your pet of pain and discomfort.

Bacteria play a major role in the formation of plaque and without treatment, tartar and calculus build up on your pet’s teeth which can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss and pain.  A professional dental cleaning known as a “scale and polish” removes not only the visible plaque and tartar on the teeth surfaces but also the bacteria under the gums. This eliminates potential sources of infection to the mouth and other organs and protects your pet from pain and tooth loss.

We recommend and perform routine dental scale and polish procedures, for low grade dental disease as well as the more complex orthodontic procedures to help restore your pet’s oral hygiene at an optimal level.