Pet Dental X-rays (Dental Radiographs) in St. George, UT
Roughly two-thirds of every tooth lives below the gumline, where the eye cannot reach. Dental X-rays (also called dental radiographs) let our St. George veterinarians see those hidden roots, the surrounding jawbone, and the spaces between teeth, so painful problems are found and treated before they become serious. They are one of the most valuable tools in modern pet dentistry.
Why dental X-rays matter
Dogs and cats are experts at hiding mouth pain, often eating normally even with significant disease. A surface exam can look healthy while trouble brews underneath. Imaging the whole tooth changes that, and it is especially useful for cats, who are prone to painful resorptive lesions that frequently start out of sight.
What dental X-rays can reveal
- Tooth-root infections, abscesses, and bone loss from periodontal disease
- Feline tooth resorption and fractured or cracked teeth below the gumline
- Retained baby-tooth roots, unerupted teeth, and cysts
- Whether a questionable tooth can be saved or should be extracted
What to expect
Dental radiographs are taken while your pet is under anesthesia for a cleaning or oral procedure, so images can be captured comfortably and held perfectly still. Depending on findings, your visit may include full-mouth imaging, targeted views of specific teeth, and a review of the images with you afterward. X-rays pair naturally with a professional dental cleaning, and they guide any extractions or oral surgery that turn out to be needed.
Part of a complete dental visit
Because St. George pets live such active, outdoor lives, chewing on sticks, rocks, and hard chews can quietly fracture teeth. X-rays help us catch that kind of damage early. We will always explain what the images show and recommend only the care your pet truly needs.
To get your dog or cat scheduled, please request an appointment through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my pet need dental X-rays if their teeth look fine?
Most of each tooth, including the roots, sits below the gumline where it cannot be seen during a visual exam. Dental X-rays reveal hidden infections, bone loss, fractured roots, and resorptive lesions that often cause pain long before there are any outward signs. They help us find and treat problems early, which is gentler on your pet and usually less costly.
Are dental X-rays safe for dogs and cats?
Yes. Dental radiography uses a very low dose of radiation, and your pet wears no awareness of the process because the images are taken while they are safely under anesthesia for their cleaning or procedure. Anesthesia lets us position the sensor precisely and capture clear, diagnostic images without any stress or movement.
Will my pet need to be sedated for dental X-rays?
In nearly all cases, yes. Dental X-rays require a pet to hold completely still with a small sensor placed inside the mouth, which is not possible while awake. We take the images during the same anesthetized visit as the dental cleaning, so it is one comfortable, efficient appointment rather than several.