[[Intra-Oral Radiography - Small Animal|Dental radiographs]] assist in the assessment of [[Periodontal Disease|periodontitis]] by providing information regarding [[Enamel Organ#Alveolar Bone|alveolar bone]] loss. They complement, but do not replace, the [[Oral Examination - Small Animal|clinical examination]]. Clinical examination is essential for evaluating soft tissue changes such as inflammation, [[Dental Indices and Criteria#Gingival Recession|gingival recession]], and periodontal pocket formation. Clinical examination will provide evidence of mild bone loss, such as a Grade I [[Dental Indices and Criteria##Furcation Involvement|furcation exposure]], prior to changes being apparent on a dental radiograph. The dental radiograph is a two-dimensional image, and the morphology of an infrabony defect will be determined on clinical examination rather than on radiographic evaluation. | [[Intra-Oral Radiography - Small Animal|Dental radiographs]] assist in the assessment of [[Periodontal Disease|periodontitis]] by providing information regarding [[Enamel Organ#Alveolar Bone|alveolar bone]] loss. They complement, but do not replace, the [[Oral Examination - Small Animal|clinical examination]]. Clinical examination is essential for evaluating soft tissue changes such as inflammation, [[Dental Indices and Criteria#Gingival Recession|gingival recession]], and periodontal pocket formation. Clinical examination will provide evidence of mild bone loss, such as a Grade I [[Dental Indices and Criteria##Furcation Involvement|furcation exposure]], prior to changes being apparent on a dental radiograph. The dental radiograph is a two-dimensional image, and the morphology of an infrabony defect will be determined on clinical examination rather than on radiographic evaluation. |