References
Oral radiography in cats and dogs
Abstract
Oral radiography is a very important tool in veterinary medicine, however it is a widely underused and neglected commodity. The importance of its role in the optimal treatment of animals with oral and maxillofacial conditions, including trauma and oncology cases, cannot be emphasised enough. A significant proportion of the pathological changes associated with oral disease processes are invisible to the naked eye as the tooth roots and alveolar bone are located subgingivally, therefore oral radiography is essential to facilitate a thorough assessment of their health and to identify underlying disease. Any practice admitting animals for ‘dentals’ are encouraged to invest in the equipment and training required to obtain diagnostic oral radiographs to enhance their treatment of these cases; this will be of benefit to the veterinary professionals involved with treating the animals, the clients and ultimately the patients.
This article aims to outline and evidence the benefits of oral radiography in veterinary practice; it is an indispensable tool for quality oral health care provision. The article will outline the indications for oral radiography, before considering the equipment needed to obtain the radiographs, the techniques required to produce images of high diagnostic quality, and some of the common faults associated with the procedure.
Radiographic findings are a key element in decisionmaking, thus radiography is a vital tool in veterinary dental diagnostics; it is indispensible in human dentistry, and dental radiographs are considered an essential part of a comprehensive oral examination (Crossley, 2006; Verstraete, 2007). Crossley (2006) highlighted that tooth roots are the largest part of most teeth, which are hidden from view along with their supporting structures. This fact combined with high client expectations nowadays made him question why radiography is not an integral part of the dental service offered by veterinary practices. Crossley (2006) suggested that some veterinarians may have concerns regarding the costs associated with taking dental radiographs, but rightly stated that the decision regarding costs lies with the clients and not the veterinarians. He also considered the fact that many people view oral radiography as difficult; everything is difficult at first, and proficiency comes with practise. Crossley (2006) stated that not knowing all of the facts prior to treatment puts patients at risk, which is entirely unacceptable, therefore oral radiography is essential in every practice providing a dental service. Consider how many orthopaedic surgeons would perform surgery without radiographic control.
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