When it comes to your pet’s health, what you can’t see might hurt them the most—especially when it comes to their mouth. Dental X-rays (radiographs) are a vital tool in modern veterinary care, revealing the hidden causes of oral pain and disease that can’t be spotted during a visual exam alone.

At Southern Crossing Animal Hospital in Memphis, we believe preventive care starts below the surface. Dental X-rays allow us to diagnose problems early, provide targeted treatment, and protect your pet’s overall health from the damaging effects of undetected dental disease.

Why Dental Health Is About More Than Clean Teeth

Oral disease isn’t just about tooth loss or bad breath—it can have far-reaching consequences for your pet’s entire body. Bacteria from advanced periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream, affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. Chronic oral pain can also lead to behavior changes, weight loss, and a reduced quality of life.

That’s why the American Animal Hospital Association emphasizes dental care as a cornerstone of whole-pet wellness.

What Dental X-Rays Can Reveal

Dental X-rays give us a complete picture of your pet’s mouth, including:

  • Periodontal disease hiding below the gumline
  • Tooth root abscesses or infection
  • Tooth resorption, especially common in cats
  • Jawbone loss due to advanced disease
  • Unerupted or retained teeth in puppies and kittens
  • Oral tumors, cysts, or jaw fractures
  • Malpositioned or crowded teeth (Learn more about dental malocclusion)
  • Developmental abnormalities of the teeth and jaw (Merck Veterinary Manual)

Even a tooth that looks normal on the surface can have a diseased root or surrounding bone. Preventive Vet highlights dental X-rays as a necessary step in ensuring your pet’s mouth is truly healthy—not just clean.

X-rays are also essential after procedures, such as confirming that:

  • Root tips have been fully extracted
  • Jaw fractures are healing properly
  • Orthodontic issues are addressed correctly
  • No foreign material remains in the surgical site

Why Anesthesia Is Always Required

Unlike other types of imaging, dental X-rays require general anesthesia. Pets need to be completely still to capture accurate, high-resolution images—and that’s not possible when they’re awake. Anesthesia ensures the process is stress-free and allows for a full oral exam and cleaning at the same time.

Our team uses carefully calibrated anesthesia protocols, tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and health status. Vital signs are monitored closely throughout the procedure to ensure safety and comfort.

What Happens If You Skip the X-Ray?

Without dental X-rays, many painful and serious conditions go undiagnosed. Here’s what might be missed:

And if you’ve ever considered a non-anesthetic dental cleaning—here’s the truth: they may make teeth look clean but do nothing to address what’s happening under the gumline. These cosmetic-only cleanings can give a false sense of security while real disease worsens undetected.

The Real-Life Benefits of Dental X-Rays

  • Faster, targeted treatment
  • Lower long-term costs by avoiding complications
  • Pain relief and improved quality of life
  • Early detection of serious conditions, such as oral tumors or jaw fractures

Many of our patients come in with no outward signs of pain, but X-rays reveal infections or damage that, once treated, dramatically improve their comfort and energy levels.

At-Home Dental Care Between Visits

Dental care starts at home—and your daily efforts matter. Here’s how you can help:

  • Brush regularly using pet-safe toothpaste
  • Use VOHC-approved dental chews and rinses
  • Monitor for early signs: bad breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, or reluctance to eat
  • Stay on track with annual checkups and cleanings (AAHA’s full dental care guide)

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my pet have dental X-rays?

Most pets benefit from annual dental X-rays, performed during their professional cleaning. Pets with chronic dental issues, small breeds, or brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds may need more frequent monitoring.

Are X-rays safe?

Yes. Dental X-rays use very low radiation levels and are considered extremely safe—especially given the amount of diagnostic value they provide.

What if my pet’s teeth look fine?

Even seemingly clean teeth can hide disease. A visual exam alone only tells part of the story—X-rays show us what’s going on beneath the surface.

Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Exam in Memphis

At Southern Crossing Animal Hospital, our goal is to detect and treat dental problems before they affect your pet’s comfort—or their organs. We combine compassionate care with advanced diagnostics to protect your pet’s long-term health.

Contact us today to schedule a dental consultation or cleaning, and help your pet live with a healthier mouth and a happier tail.