The Power of What You Can’t See: Why Dental X-Rays Matter for Your Pet’s Health
When your dog or cat comes in for a dental cleaning, you might expect us to scrape tartar, polish their teeth, and send them home with a fresher smile. And while that’s part of the process, it’s far from the whole picture. At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic, we believe in doing things right—which means we perform full-mouth dental X-rays with every dental procedure. Why? Because some of the most painful and dangerous dental problems aren’t visible on the surface.
What Are Dental X-Rays for Pets?
Just like at your own dentist’s office, dental X-rays let us see what’s happening below the gumline—including the roots of the teeth, jawbone, and supporting structures. We use a safe, digital X-ray system while your pet is under anesthesia, allowing us to capture detailed images of their mouth from multiple angles.
Why Are Dental X-Rays So Important?
Most Dental Disease Happens Below the Gumline
Over 60% of a dog or cat’s tooth lies beneath the surface, where it can’t be seen with the naked eye. Even teeth that look healthy can be hiding:
- Root infections
- Bone loss
- Tooth fractures
- Abscesses
- Resorptive lesions (especially common in cats)
They Help Us Avoid Unnecessary Extractions
Sometimes, a tooth may look suspicious on the outside, but X-rays reveal that it’s perfectly healthy underneath. That means we can avoid removing it unnecessarily—and preserve your pet’s comfort and function. On the other hand, teeth that look fine may be severely damaged at the root, and X-rays ensure we catch those before they become a bigger problem.
They Keep Extractions Safer and More Precise
If we do need to remove a tooth, X-rays help us assess the tooth’s root shape and location. That means safer, more targeted extractions with fewer complications. We also take follow-up X-rays to make sure no root fragments are left behind—a critical step for proper healing and long-term comfort.
They Give You Peace of Mind
When you know we’re taking the time to thoroughly evaluate your pet’s dental health—not just what we can see, but what we can’t—you can feel confident your pet is receiving the best care possible. At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic, we treat your pets like family, and that means going beyond surface-level medicine.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe for My Pet?
Yes. The digital X-rays we use emit minimal radiation and are only taken while your pet is fully anesthetized, ensuring complete stillness and comfort. The risk is extremely low—especially when compared to the health problems that go undetected without them.
The Bottom Line: Dental X-Rays Save Teeth—and Lives
Dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth. Chronic infection and inflammation can lead to heart, liver, and kidney issues over time. By using dental X-rays to catch problems early, we can treat issues before they become painful, expensive, or life-threatening. If your pet has bad breath, red gums, tartar buildup—or if it’s just been a while since their last cleaning—the team at PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic is here to help. Book an appointment online or call us at (563) 583-8387 to learn more about what a complete dental cleaning includes. At PetMed of Key West, we believe every smile matters—especially the ones hidden behind whiskers.