Image: Dog mouth x-ray showing Quad 1 teeth (© Coquet Vets, 2024)
Here at Coquet Vets, we strive to provide a high standard of veterinary care. We are also extremely passionate about dental healthcare, which is why we have a designated dental room.
We have a dental x-ray machine, which we use on all patients undergoing dental treatment. We do full mouth radiographs to see what is going on underneath the gum line, such as bone loss or tooth decay. This cannot be seen with the naked eye, and just like in humans, x-rays are the best diagnosis.
As an example, cats can get a dental issue called Tooth Resorption Lesions. This is where the tooth dissolves (resorbs) overtime, which can cause severe dental pain. These are very common, and we see them daily in cats, but they can only be diagnosed with dental x-rays. See our article on Tooth Resorption Lesions for more about this dental issue.
How we do dental x-rays
Image: Tooth numbers for a dog (© Coquet Vets, 2024)
This image is a diagram of a dog’s mouth and the number of each tooth.
We start with the dog or cat lying in sternal (on their front), and we use a plastic block to place under the head, raising the head slightly. Our first x-ray is of the back teeth on the right-hand side. These include molars and pre-molars. The area is called Quad 1, and the teeth are 110–104.
Image: Dog mouth x-ray showing Quad 1 teeth (© Coquet Vets, 2024)
Our second x-ray is of the maxilla. This is the top of the dog’s mouth and includes both upper canines and incisors. The teeth are 104, 103, 102, 101, 201, 202, 203, and 204.
Image: Dog mouth x-ray showing maxilla teeth (© Coquet Vets, 2024)
The third x-ray is of the back teeth on the left-hand side. These include molars and pre-molars. This area is called Quad 2, and the teeth are 210–204.
Image: Dog mouth x-ray showing Quad 2 teeth (© Coquet Vets, 2024)
We then turn the animal onto their left-hand side to get an x-ray of the left lower jaw. This is called Quad 3, and the teeth are 311–305.
Image: Dog mouth x-ray showing Quad 3 teeth (© Coquet Vets, 2024)
We then turn the patient onto their back to get the lower jaw canines. This is the mandible x-ray and includes teeth 304, 303, 302, 301, 401, 402, 403, and 404. These are both lower canines and incisors.
Image: Dog mouth x-ray showing mandible teeth (© Coquet Vets, 2024)
The patient then goes onto their right-hand side to get our last x-ray called Quad 4. This is the back of the teeth on the right-hand side and includes molars and pre-molars. The teeth are 411–405.
Image: Dog mouth x-ray showing Quad 4 teeth (© Coquet Vets, 2024)
Coquet Vets’ Dental Promotion for August 2024
To support good dental health and hygiene for all our patients, we are offering up to 15% off the cost of a full dental procedure throughout the month of August. Our dental procedures include a general anaesthetic, full mouth radiographs, scaled and polished, and extractions where needed. Terms and conditions apply. Find out more on our promotions page here >>
If you are worried about your pet’s dental health, please call us today on 01665 252 250 to get your pet booked in for an appointment.
