Dental Care
Dental Radiographs in Cedar Springs, MI
What you can see of your pet’s teeth is only part of the story. At Cedar Animal Hospital, we use digital dental radiography to look beneath the gum line, giving pets from Cedar Springs and all over West Michigan a more complete and accurate dental exam.
Understanding Dental Radiographs
Dental radiographs are X-rays taken specifically of the teeth and jaw. A large portion of each tooth sits below the gums, and that’s where many dental problems begin. Infected roots, bone loss from periodontal disease, fractured roots, retained root tips, tooth resorption, and unerupted teeth can all be invisible during a visual exam yet cause real pain.
Our digital dental radiography system lets us see each tooth, its roots, and the surrounding jawbone in detail. Images appear on screen within moments, so our veterinarians can make decisions during the procedure rather than days later. Digital images also use less radiation than traditional film and are stored in your pet’s record, which means we can compare them over time and spot changes early. For complex cases involving the jaw, our in-house CT scan can provide additional views.
What to Expect During Dental Radiographs
Dental radiographs are usually taken as part of a dental cleaning or when your veterinarian is evaluating a specific dental problem.
1. Exam and Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork
Your veterinarian examines your pet and reviews their health history. We typically recommend bloodwork from our in-house laboratory before anesthesia to help keep your pet safe.
2. Anesthesia and Monitoring
To get clear images, a small sensor is placed inside your pet’s mouth and positioned for each tooth. Pets can’t hold still for this awake, so dental radiographs are taken under general anesthesia while a team member monitors vital signs.
3. Full-Mouth Images
We take images of the teeth and jaw and review them right away on the computer. Combined with probing and charting each tooth, this gives your veterinarian a thorough picture of your pet’s oral health.
4. Discussing the Findings
If the radiographs reveal a problem that needs treatment, we’ll contact you to discuss it before going further. At discharge, we’ll go over the results and share what we found.
Why Dental Radiographs Matter for Your Pet
Dental radiographs help us treat what’s really going on rather than guessing from the surface.
Finding Hidden Disease
Teeth that look healthy above the gums may have infected roots or bone loss underneath. Radiographs reveal those problems so they don’t go untreated.
Better Treatment Decisions
Knowing the shape and health of each root helps our veterinarians decide whether a tooth can stay, needs treatment, or should be removed, and how to do it safely.
A Baseline for the Future
Stored digital images let us compare your pet’s mouth from year to year and catch changes early.
Signs Your Pet May Need Dental Radiographs
We may recommend dental radiographs if your pet has:
- Bad breath or visible tartar
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Broken, loose, or discolored teeth
- Missing teeth or retained baby teeth
- Swelling along the jaw or below the eye
- Trouble chewing, drooling, or dropping food
Part of Every Thorough Dental Visit
Dental radiographs work hand in hand with professional cleanings, extractions, and dental repair. Your pet’s teeth and gums are checked at every regular exam, and as pets age, routine cleanings with radiographs under anesthesia become an even more important part of their care. Taking images at each cleaning also builds a history we can look back on, so small changes don’t turn into big problems. Brushing your pet’s teeth several times a week at home helps keep plaque under control between visits, and our team is glad to show you how.
Practice Highlights
- Digital Dental Radiography: Fast, detailed images saved to compare over time
- Advanced In-Clinic Diagnostics: Full laboratory, digital radiology, and CT scan on site
- AAHA-Accredited: Caring for pets in Cedar Springs since April 1993
- Multiple Surgical Suites: Space and equipment for dental care and surgery
- Flexible Payment Options: Cash, check, major credit cards, CareCredit, and Scratchpay
Schedule Your Pet's Dental Radiographs Today
A complete dental exam starts below the gum line. Call Cedar Animal Hospital at (616) 696-1212 to schedule a dental visit, or come see us at 3705 Gentle Way, Cedar Springs, MI 49319, across the street from Meijer, behind Aldi.
Dental Radiographs: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my pet need dental X-rays if their teeth look fine?
Much of each tooth is hidden below the gums, and many painful problems, such as infected roots or bone loss, can’t be seen from the outside. Dental radiographs let us find and treat those issues.
Are dental radiographs safe?
Yes. Digital dental radiography uses a low dose of radiation, less than traditional film. The anesthesia required is planned around your pet’s exam and bloodwork, and your pet is monitored throughout. Questions? Call (616) 696-1212.
Why is anesthesia needed for dental radiographs?
A sensor must be placed inside your pet’s mouth and positioned for each tooth. Pets won’t hold still for this awake, and movement blurs the images. Anesthesia keeps your pet comfortable and lets us capture clear, complete images.
Can I see my pet's dental X-rays?
Absolutely. We’re happy to show you the images and explain what we found. They are also stored in your pet’s record so we can compare them at future visits.
How much do dental radiographs cost?
Cost depends on whether radiographs are part of a cleaning or a focused evaluation and on any treatment needed. Please call for an estimate at (616) 696-1212. We accept cash, check, major credit cards, CareCredit, and Scratchpay.
