Advanced Diagnostics for Accurate Answers
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment.
By combining advanced imaging, specialized pathology, and collaborative expert review, our team is able to develop individualized treatment plans designed to provide the highest level of care for every patient.
Advanced Diagnostics
Looking Beyond What the Eye Can See
Many dental and oral conditions cannot be fully evaluated during a visual examination alone. Advanced diagnostic tools allow our team to identify disease earlier, better understand the extent of a problem, and develop the most appropriate treatment plan for your pet.
At the Hospital for Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery, we combine specialized imaging, biopsy techniques, and expert consultation to provide a comprehensive evaluation of complex oral and maxillofacial conditions.
Dental Radiographs vs. Traditional Skull Radiographs
While traditional skull radiographs can provide an overview of the head, they often lack the detail needed to evaluate individual teeth and surrounding structures.
Dental Radiographs
- High-resolution images of individual teeth
- Detailed evaluation of roots and supporting bone
- Essential for diagnosing dental disease
Traditional Skull Radiographs
- Broader view of the skull and facial structures
- Useful for certain conditions but limited for dental evaluation
- May not detect many common dental abnormalities
By utilizing dental radiography, our team can identify disease that may otherwise remain hidden beneath the surface.
Cone Beam CT (CBCT) & CT
Advanced 3D Imaging
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provides highly detailed three-dimensional images of your pet’s teeth, jaws, nasal passages, and surrounding structures.
Unlike traditional radiographs, CBCT allows us to view anatomy from multiple angles, helping us diagnose complex conditions with greater accuracy.
CBCT is commonly used for:
- Oral tumors
- Jaw fractures
- Impacted or unerupted teeth
- Tooth root abnormalities
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Cleft palate evaluation
- Complex oral and facial disease
CT Imaging with Contrast
In certain cases, additional information is needed to fully evaluate a lesion or abnormality.
CT imaging with contrast can help our team assess:
- Oral and facial masses
- Tumor extent and involvement
- Blood supply to tissues
- Surgical planning for complex procedures
This information can be invaluable when determining the most appropriate treatment approach.
Expert Radiology Review
For complex imaging studies, diagnostic images may be reviewed by a board-certified veterinary radiologist.
This collaborative approach provides an additional layer of expertise and helps ensure the most accurate interpretation of imaging findings.
Oral Biopsy
Getting Answers Through Tissue Diagnosis
Some oral lesions, masses, or areas of abnormal tissue cannot be definitively diagnosed through imaging alone.
An oral biopsy involves collecting a small tissue sample for microscopic examination to determine the nature of the abnormality.
Biopsies can help diagnose:
- Oral tumors
- Inflammatory conditions
- Immune-mediated diseases
- Infectious processes
- Other oral abnormalities
Specialized Oral Histopathology
Tissue samples obtained from oral biopsies are submitted to a board-certified veterinary oral histopathologist with specialized expertise in diseases of the oral cavity.
Because oral tissues can present unique diagnostic challenges, specialized interpretation helps provide accurate diagnoses and guides treatment recommendations.
Here when you need us.
If you believe your dog needs care, please let us know. We’ll be happy to assist.