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| − | ==Instruments Used to Examine the Mouth== | + | {{Navigation2 |
| − | | + | |title = Small Animal Oral Examination Instruments |
| − | ===Periodontal Probe===
| + | |categories = [[:Category:Dentistry|'''Dentistry''']] |
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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.
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| − | | + | :[[Periodontal Probe]] |
| − | The periodontal probe is used to:
| + | :[[Dental Explorer]] |
| − | *Measure periodontal probing depth
| + | :[[Dental Mirror]] |
| − | *Determine degree of gingival inflammation by gentle probing
| + | |image = Oral examination instruments.jpg |
| − | *Measure gingival attachment loss (recession)
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| − | *Evaluate furcation lesions
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| − | *Evaluate extent of tooth mobility
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| − | 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.
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| − | ===Dental Explorer===
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| − | The dental explorer or probe, a sharp-ended instrument.
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| − | It is used to check for hard tissue defects for example:
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| − | *Determine the presence of caries
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| − | *Explore other enamel and dentin defects, such as fractured teeth, odontoclastic resorptive lesions
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| − | 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.
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| − | 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.
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| − | ===Dental Mirror===
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| − | 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.
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| − | 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.
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| | + | {{Waltham}} |
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| | [[Category:Oral Examination]] | | [[Category:Oral Examination]] |
| | [[Category:Dental Instruments]] | | [[Category:Dental Instruments]] |
| | + | [[Category:Oral Examination Instruments - Small Animal]] |
| | + | [[Category:Waltham reviewed]] |