What Dental X-Rays Reveal About Your Pet’s Health

Your pet’s teeth may sparkle on the surface, but what’s happening below the gumline tells the real story. Hidden infections, bone loss, and painful root damage can all lurk where you can’t see them—and your pet won’t always show you they’re hurting. That’s why dental care isn’t just about clean teeth; it’s about protecting your pet’s comfort, health, and quality of life from the inside out.

At Santa Monica Veterinary Group, we combine advanced digital dental X-rays with gentle, thorough cleanings to uncover the full picture. With the right tools, we catch problems early—before your pet ever has to feel the pain.

What Are Dental X-Rays and Why Do They Matter?

Dental X-rays (also called dental radiographs) capture detailed images of your pet’s teeth, roots, jawbone, and the areas below the gumline. According to Vetstreet, more than 60% of each tooth is hidden below the surface, making X-rays the only way to see the full picture.

Dental radiographs are essential for diagnosing:

  • Advanced periodontal disease not visible during a visual exam
  • Tooth root abscesses and infection
  • Tooth fractures or cracked roots causing chronic discomfort (Diagnosis and Treatment)
  • Jawbone loss, trauma, or osteomyelitis
  • Unerupted or impacted teeth, especially in young pets (Developmental abnormalities)
  • Oral tumors, cysts, and other structural abnormalities
  • Tooth resorption, a painful condition particularly common in cats
  • Retained baby teeth that can crowd adult teeth and lead to decay (More on removal)
  • Malocclusions and bite issues, especially in toy breeds (Read more from AKC)

Dental X-rays are also critical after procedures, such as extractions or fracture repairs, to ensure complete removal of root tips, proper jaw alignment, or implant success.

How Dental X-Rays Work at Santa Monica Veterinary Group

Dental X-rays are performed under full general anesthesia. This ensures your pet is completely still and pain-free while we position their mouth to obtain accurate, high-resolution images. Anesthesia also allows us to clean below the gumline and perform any necessary treatment in the same visit.

Our advanced digital radiography system gives us immediate results, allowing us to identify issues in real time and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. Your pet is continuously monitored by trained staff from start to finish.

Learn more about why X-rays are essential to safe, effective dental care from Preventive Vet.

What Happens If I Skip Dental X-Rays?

Without X-rays, your veterinarian is essentially working blind. Even if your pet’s teeth look clean on the surface, significant issues may be developing beneath the gums. Skipping dental X-rays can mean:

  • Missed infections, abscesses, or fractured roots
  • Retained roots left behind after incomplete extractions
  • Painful conditions left untreated, leading to chronic discomfort
  • Costly and complex interventions later due to undiagnosed disease

Skipping radiographs compromises the effectiveness of your pet’s dental cleaning and may delay important treatment.

What About Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleanings?

Non-anesthetic dentals (sometimes called “awake dentals”) may remove some tartar from the visible surfaces of teeth, but they do not address the real source of dental disease: under the gums.

Without X-rays or anesthesia, these procedures:

  • Miss underlying disease below the gumline
  • Can mask symptoms by polishing visible enamel without treating the root issue
  • May be painful or stressful for your pet
  • Risk accidental injury due to movement

The AAHA and AVDC do not recommend non-anesthetic dental cleanings as a substitute for professional dental care under anesthesia.

What Happens After the X-Rays?

Based on what we see, we may recommend:

  • Tooth extractions for diseased or fractured teeth
  • Deep periodontal treatments for pockets or bone loss
  • Biopsies of masses or suspicious areas
  • Antibiotics or pain management for infection or inflammation
  • Routine follow-ups to monitor changes over time

You’ll receive a clear plan and instructions for at-home care, including brushing, chews, or diet recommendations.

At-Home Prevention & Ongoing Care

Daily prevention helps reduce your pet’s need for advanced dental procedures:

  • Brush your pet’s teeth using pet-safe toothpaste
  • Use dental chews or treats approved by the VOHC
  • Offer safe toys that don’t damage enamel
  • Monitor for signs of discomfort: bad breath, drooling, chewing on one side, or facial swelling

Pair at-home care with annual dental cleanings and X-rays to stay ahead of disease.

A Healthy Mouth Is a Healthier Life

Your pet deserves a pain-free mouth and a strong, healthy body. Dental X-rays are one of the most powerful tools we have to diagnose disease early, guide treatment, and confirm successful results.

At Santa Monica Veterinary Group, we’re committed to providing the highest standard of dental care in a compassionate environment. Book your pet’s dental evaluation today by visiting our contact page.