Dental contrast formulations (“fillers”) of tailorable X-Ray radiopacity and methods for their use are provided. The disclosed fillers include mixtures of solid particles suspended in a biocompatible fluid. The solid particles contain one or more X-ray radiopaque materials. The biocompatible fluid can also contain one or more soluble X-ray radiopaque components. By controlling the composition of the solid particles, the composition of the biocompatible fluid, and the loading of the solid particles in the biocompatible fluid, the X-ray radiopacity and stability of the filler can be tailored to allow for improved discrimination of the filler within periodontal pockets, relative to adjacent soft tissue and teeth, so that the 3-D shape, volume, and depth of the pocket can be precisely and rapidly determined by X-Ray imaging.
