Oral Examination Instruments - Small Animal
Instruments Used to Examine the Mouth
Periodontal Probe
The periodontal probe is a narrow rounded or flat, blunt-ended, graduated instrument. Due to its blunt end, it can be inserted into the gingival sulcus without causing trauma.
The periodontal probe is used to:
- Measure periodontal probing depth
- Determine degree of gingival inflammation by gentle probing
- Measure gingival attachment loss (recession)
- Evaluate furcation lesions
- 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
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.