Pet Dental Radiology / CBCT
What are Dental Radiographs?
Dental radiographs are the standard of care in a general veterinary practice when performing a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) in dogs and cats. While the visible portion of the tooth may appear normal, up to 60% of the tooth structure lies below the gumline, where the majority of dental disease occurs. Full-mouth dental radiographs allow for a complete evaluation of each tooth, including the roots, surrounding bone, and support structures. This level of imaging is essential for identifying conditions such as periodontal bone loss, tooth root abscesses, fractures, retained roots, and tooth resorption. Many of these conditions cannot be detected during a visual examination alone.
Diagnostic Imaging
Without dental radiographs, significant pathology may go undiagnosed, leading to persistent pain and progression of disease despite a seemingly “clean” mouth. For this reason, performing a COHAT without full-mouth radiographs falls below the accepted standard of care in veterinary dentistry. Diagnostic imaging not only aids in diagnosis but also guides appropriate treatment decisions, including whether a tooth can be preserved with therapy or requires extraction. Imaging is also critical during and after procedures to ensure complete treatment, such as confirming full removal of tooth roots and evaluating healing.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
Precision Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery utilizes a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) that goes beyond the standard of care by providing advanced 3D imaging of the skull, teeth, and surrounding structures. Unlike traditional two-dimensional dental radiographs, CBCT allows for precise evaluation of complex anatomy without superimposition, significantly improving the detection of subtle or early disease. This technology is especially valuable for assessing conditions such as nasal involvement of dental disease, jaw fractures, oral tumors, and intricate root canal shape. By offering a more detailed and accurate diagnostic view, CBCT enhances treatment planning, improves surgical precision, decreases overall anesthesia time, and ultimately leads to better outcomes for patients undergoing dentistry and oral surgery procedures.
Contact
Address: 774 Maleta Ln, Castle Rock, CO 80108
Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 7 AM to 5 PM
Phone: 720-307-4923