View source for Oral Examination Under General Anaesthesia

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==Introduction==
The endotracheal tube does not allow full closure of the mouth to examine the relationship between the teeth. In the anaesthetised patient prior to intubation, the muscles are relaxed and the tongue often gets in the way, so a complete evaluation of occlusion is not always possible.
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The [[Oropharynx - Anatomy & Physiology|oropharynx]] should be examined prior to endotracheal intubation. Normal anatomical features of the [[Oral Cavity Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|oral cavity]] need to be identified and inspected. A check list is given below:
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<b>[[Oropharynx - Anatomy & Physiology|Oropharynx]]:</b>
*[[Soft Palate|Soft palate]]
*Palatoglossal arch
*Tonsillary Crypts
*[[Tonsils - Anatomy & Physiology|Tonsils]]
*Hamular process of the pterygoid
*Fauces
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'''[[Lips]] and [[Cheeks]]:'''
*Mucocutaneous junction
*Vestibules
*Philtrum
*Frenula (maxillary and mandibular)
*Salivary papilla (parotid and zygomatic)
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'''Oral Mucous Membranes:'''
*Alveolar mucosa
*Mucogingival line
*Attached [[gingiva]]
*Free [[gingiva]]
*Mucosa of the [[Hard Palate|hard]] and [[Soft Palate|soft palate]]
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'''[[Hard Palate]]:'''
*Incisive papilla
*Incisive duct openings
*Palatine rugae and raphe (always check the rugae for hair impaction in dogs presenting with halitosis especially brachycephalic breeds)
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'''Floor of Mouth:'''
*Sublingual caruncle
*[[Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|Tongue]]
*Lingual frenulum – it is important to check the ventral aspect of the tongue as pathology in this area is often missed. This is a common location for squamous cell carcinomas in cats. Linear foreign bodies can often become trapped here and are not always noticed.
*[[Lingual Gland - Anatomy & Physiology|Lingual salivary gland]]
*Tongue papillae
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[[File:Filling a chart.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Filling in a [[Dental Recording|dental chart]] during examination under general anaesthesia<small>''© Lisa Milella 2013''</small>]]
Any abnormalities need to be noted – look for '''swellings, inflammation, ulcerations'''. Check if the lesion is localised to one area or more generalised. Always '''biopsy''' abnormal tissue if a cause cannot be identified.
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Under general [[anaesthesia]], it is also useful to recheck the '''temporomandibular joints for crepitus''' or clicks if a problem is suspected. The '''[[Skull and Facial Muscles - Anatomy & Physiology#Mandible (mandibula)|mandibular symphysis]]''' should also be checked for mobility – a small degree of movement is normal in cats.
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'''Indices and Criteria'''

The following [[Dental Indices and Criteria|indices and criteria]] should be evaluated for each tooth:
#Gingivitis and gingival index
#Periodontal probing depth
#Gingival recession
#Furcation involvement
#Mobility


{{Lisa Milella written
|date = 13 August 2014}}

{{Waltham}}

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[[Category:Oral Examination]]
[[Category:Waltham reviewed]]