01 May The Importance of Cone Beam CT in Diagnosing Dental Disease in Pets
As pet owners, we go to great lengths to ensure the health and happiness of our pets. However, one area that is often overlooked is dental health. Dental disease is one of the most common conditions in dogs and cats, affecting an estimated 80% of pets over the age of three. Personally, I believe this is an underestimation and that dogs and cats develop dental disease sooner. In fact, it is not unusual to see dental disease in puppies and kittens.
Traditional dental radiographs (X-rays) have been the standard diagnostic tool for detecting oral diseases, but recent advancements in veterinary imaging, particularly Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), has revolutionized the way we are diagnosing and treating dental disease in pets.
Full mouth dental radiographs have become the minimum standard of care in the general practice setting, but CBCT has become the standard of care in most veterinary dental specialty practices. We are proud to say that Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery was the first veterinary practice to offer CBCT technology for dogs and cats in the state of Colorado.
What is Cone Beam CT?
Cone Beam CT is a specialized type of three-dimensional (3D) imaging that provides high-resolution images of the skull, teeth, and surrounding structures. Unlike traditional X-rays, which offer only two-dimensional views, CBCT scans allow veterinarians to assess dental and bone structures from multiple angles, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Veterinarians can have most CBCT units make 3D reconstructions in a matter of seconds. This is significantly faster than the time it takes to make 3D reconstructions with older conventional CT units.
Why is CBCT Important for Pet Dentistry?
1. Enhanced Detection of Hidden Dental Disease
Many dental conditions in pets, such as tooth resorption, periodontal disease, fractures, and abscesses, may not be visible on standard X-rays. CBCT provides a more comprehensive view of the teeth and surrounding bone, allowing veterinarians to detect problems that would otherwise go unnoticed until they become severe.
It should be noted that while CBCT is superior in evaluating tooth and bone structures of the head and neck, conventional CT imaging remains superior when imaging soft tissue structures.
2. Improved Surgical Planning
For pets requiring extractions or other dental procedures, CBCT allows for precise surgical planning. Knowing the exact positioning of roots and bone structures helps minimize complications and improves surgical outcomes.
3. Early Diagnosis of Jaw Abnormalities and Tumors
CBCT is invaluable in detecting jaw abnormalities, cysts, and tumors in their early stages. Early detection enables timely intervention, which can greatly improve a pet’s prognosis.
4. Minimized Anesthetic Time
Because CBCT captures highly detailed images quickly, it reduces the amount of time a pet needs to be under anesthesia compared to traditional dental radiographs, making the procedure safer overall. It is safe to say that CBCT scanning decreases an anesthetic procedure by 10-20 minutes when compared to the time it takes to perform full mouth dental radiographs.
5. Better Client Education and Treatment Compliance
With 3D imaging, veterinarians can visually demonstrate dental problems to pet owners, helping them understand the severity of their pet’s condition. This increased awareness often leads to better compliance with recommended treatments, ultimately improving pet health.
The Future of Veterinary Dentistry
As CBCT technology becomes more widely available in veterinary practices, its role in diagnosing and treating dental diseases in pets will continue to grow. Investing in this advanced imaging technique allows veterinary professionals to provide a higher standard of care, ensuring that pets receive the best possible treatment for their dental health.
For pet owners, regular dental check-ups and discussions with your veterinarian about available imaging options can make a significant difference in your pet’s oral and overall well-being. After all, a healthy mouth leads to a happier, healthier pet!
Conclusion
Cone Beam CT is a game-changer in veterinary dentistry, offering unparalleled precision in diagnosing and treating dental disease in pets. By embracing this technology, veterinarians can provide early detection, better treatment planning, and improved outcomes for our beloved pets.
Again, we are proud to say that Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery was the first veterinary practice to offer CBCT technology in the state of Colorado.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (05/01/2025) Image by Gundula Vogel from Pixabay
