ABSTRACT
Periodontal disease is the number one health problem in small animal patients, therefore appropriate diagnosis has become very important. The value of radiographic evaluation in veterinary patients was proven in studies that found that 27.8% of clinically important lesions in dogs and 41.7% in cats would be missed without radiography. The clinical appearance of the evaluated area often does not correlate completely with the radiographic appearance. Appropriate radiographic evaluation depends on the quality of exposure, which requires correct positioning and exposure conditions. The radiolucent zone between cementum and lamina dura is the periodontal ligament (PDL) space. In most teeth, the PDL space is radiographically linear. Numerous mechanical, metabolic, inflammatory, and microbiologic factors influence the quality, density, and structure of periodontal tissues, resulting in radiographic changes. Proper periodontal radiographic technique and interpretation is of particular importance for extractions and orthodontic and endodontic treatment, as well as implantology.
