Equine Dentistry, Pt. 2 Flashcards
What parts of the oral exam are important for diagnosing dental disease?
- extra-oral exam
- occlusion evaluation
- soft tissue evaluation
- periodontal tissue evaluation
- endodontic examination
What are important parts of extra-oral examination?
- symmetry
- swelling, masses, heat, pain
- examine for other diseases - general examination, HR, RR, temperature
Why is tongue safety especially important for dental exams? How can it be properly held?
improper handling can cause damage to the hyoid apparatus, resulting in permanent neurologic symptoms
brace hand against the patient and move them when holding the tongue —> if contact with the jaw cannot be maintained, drop the tongue
What are 3 ways to evaluate occlusion?
- incisor alignment (+ horse’s reaction)
- excursion to molar contact (EMC) - molars should not be in contact at rest, they make contact when the mandible is moved laterally
- observe cheek teeth for sharp points or malalignment
What makes up the soft tissue evaluation of the oral cavity?
- cheek
- tongue
- mucosa
- gingiva
evaluate for bleeding, ulceration, and scars
What equipment is commonly used for endodontic evaluation? What 5 things should be checked for?
mirror, endoscope
- gingival recession
- periodontium - pockets, feed material, parasited (caus ulceration)
- calculus
- bad breath (halitosis) - check hands
- infundibular disease - carries, open pulps
What are 4 purposes of dental charts?
- legal record (defensibility!)
- facilitates client communication
- professionalism
- record sedation for procedures in the future
What additional diagnostics can be used for dental disease?
- endoscopy
- radiology
- CT scan
What is essential for a thorough dental exam and treatments? What caution needs to be taken?
full mouth speculum
can injure the examiner —> shaking head, mechanical failure allows horse to close mouth
What are the 2 parts of the full mouth speculum?
- plates - placed on incisors (special speculum necessary to evaluate incisors!)
- spreader bar
What are some types of full-mouth speculums?
- McPearson
- Pony
- Capps
- Millenium
- Conrad
- Vienna
based on horse size and areas of examination
How is a speculum placed? In what horses does this need to be done especially carefully?
- remove halter and place it around the horse’s neck
- place the speculum in the horse’s mouth between the upper and lower incisors
- tighten the headpiece as far as it will go
- open speculum one side at a time (one click at a time) —> 3-4 clicks common
older horses or those with known TMJ disease
What can alter the fit of the speculum?
missing or fractured/diseased incisors —> tooth plate will likely not stay in place
How can incisors be observed safely on dental exams?
incisor speculum
- PVC pipe + bungie cords
What type of speculums are not commonly used anymore? Why?
wedge or spool-type —> can fracture teeth and put excessive stress on the TMJ
What can be used for head support and restraint for dental exams/procedures?
- broom
- PVC pipes
- dental halter
- rings
- head stant
What is required for accurate dental examinations and treatment?
light source —> flashlight, head lamp, speculum light
What should be done prior to dental examination? What is avoided
mouth flush to remove feed +/- antiseptic
flushing with speculum —> causes difficulty swallowing