Oral Examination Instruments - Small Animal
Instruments Used to Examine the Mouth
Periodontal Probe
Dental Explorer
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
- 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
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.