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Oral Examination Instruments - Small Animal (view source)
Revision as of 18:16, 23 May 2013
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−===Dental Record Sheets===+Various charts are available and the particular choice depends on operator preference. A complete dental record is required for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, as well as for medicolegal reasons.+
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===Periodontal Probe===
===Periodontal Probe===
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+The periodontal probe is a narrow rounded or flat, blunt-ended, graduated instrument. Due to its blunt end, it can be inserted into the [[Gingiva|gingival]] sulcus without causing trauma.
The periodontal probe is used to:
The periodontal probe is used to:
−*Measure periodontal probing depth
+*Measure periodontal probing depth
−*Assess the degree of gingival inflammation
+*Determine degree of gingival inflammation by gentle probing
+*Measure gingival attachment loss (recession)
*Evaluate furcation lesions
*Evaluate furcation lesions
*Evaluate extent of tooth mobility
*Evaluate extent of tooth mobility
−The markings are either engraved rings or colour coded bands. A screening probe for example has 3 or 4mm banded block markings whilst a Williams periodontal probe is more accurate with mm markings. Before using the probe, the operator should ensure that they know what the marking represent by comparing it do a ruler.
+===Dental Explorer===
===Dental Explorer===
−The dental explorer or probe, a sharp-ended instrument, is used to:
+The dental explorer or probe, a sharp-ended instrument.
+It is used to check for hard tissue defects for example:
*Determine the presence of caries
*Determine the presence of caries
−*Explore other enamel and dentin defects, e.g.fracture, odontoclastic resorptive lesions
+*Explore other enamel and dentin defects, such as fractured teeth, odontoclastic resorptive lesions
−The explorer is also useful for tactile examination of the subgingival tooth surfaces. Subgingival calculus and odontoclastic resorptive lesions may be identified in this way.
+Dental explorers are available in various shapes, usually straight or curved. The Shepherds hook pattern is frequently used in veterinary dentistry, but a probe with a 90 degree bend is often easier to use, and more ideal.
+===Dental Mirror===
===Dental Mirror===
−A dental mirror not often used in veterinary dentistry but is a useful tool as it allows you to visualise the palatal/lingual surfaces of the teeth easily. Orientation may cause confusion and the use of a dental mirror takes some practice. The mirror can be wiped across the buccal mucous membranes before use to prevent condensation occurring.
−Dental mirrors are available in several sizes. A small (paediatric size) mirror for cats and small dogs and a larger one for medium to large dogs should be available.
+[[Category:Oral Examination]]
[[Category:Oral Examination]]