Veterinary Dentistry Flashcards
All information that was taught to me while attending Vanier College's "Animal Health Technology" Program, located in St-Laurent Montreal.
What are the components of the diphyodont dentation
I –incisorC-canineP- premolarM-molar
What is the primary canine dental formula
Primary teeth : 2 X I3/3, C1/1, P3/3 = __No primary molarsPrimary teeth eruption: 3 to 12 weeks of age
What is the permanent canine dental formula
Permanent: 2 X I3/3,C1/1,P4/4, M2/3=__ Eruption: 3 – 7 months of age
What is the primary cat dental formula
Primary: 2 XI3/3,C1/1,P3/2=___ no molars Primary teeth eruption: 2 to 6 weeks of age
What is the permanent cat dental formula
Permanent 2X I3/3,C1/1,P3/2, M1/1=___ Particularities: some teeth are missing (refer to Triadan system) Eruption: 3 to 5 months
What composes the bulk of the tooth
dentine
what is the dentine covered by on the crown
enamel
what is the dentine covered by on the root
cementum
what does the centre of the tooth contain
pulp
what is the composition of enamel
96% inorganic, mainly hydroxyapatite crystals, with 4% water and fibrous organic material.
describe enamel
Hardest substance in the body and covers the exterior surface of the crowns only.
how does enamel form
Formed by ameloblasts within the tooth bud before eruption.
what can cause damage to the enamel when young
Damage when animal is young: causes irreparable changes (enamel hypoplasia, tetracycline usage)
is the enamel capable of repair when it has already erupted?
yes but Capable of only very limited repair when damaged, once the tooth has erupted.
Describe dentine
Main supporting structure of the toothSecond hardest tissue in the body after enamel.
what is the composition of dentine
70% mineral and acellular, as hydroxyapatite crystals, and 30% organic as water, collagen and mucopolysaccharide.
what is the main structure of dentine
dentinal tubules, which extends rom the external surface to the pulp.
what is the function of the dentinal tubules if the dentine is exposed
which can transmit bacteria + pain to the pulp if the dentine is exposedCan also transmit bacteria to the PL
describe the primary dentine
Primary dentine forms before tooth eruption.
describe secondary dentine
Secondary dentine forms after eruption, as the tooth develops with age. It develops from the odontoblasts living within the pulp and is laid down in layers within the pulp cavity.
describe tertiary dentine
Reparative or tertiary dentine forms as a result of trauma to the odontoblasts; this can be thermal, chemical, bacterial or mechanical.
describe tertiary dentine and its appearance
Tertiary dentine has few tubules and is darker in colour and very dense in structure. We see tertiary dentine when enamel has been worn away, like stone chewers.
Describe cementum
Covers the enamel free roots & provides a point of attachment for the periodontal ligament. Capable of formation, destruction and repair and remodels continually throughout life. It is nourished from vessels within the periodontal ligament.
what is the composition of cementum
Similar in composition to woven bone it is 45-50% inorganic, primarily as hydroxyapatite crystals, and 50-55% organic material.
describe the pulp of the tooth
This living tissue within the tooth is located in the pulp chambers and root canals. Well innervated and vascularised
what is the pulp composed of
comprises connective tissue, nerves, lymph and blood vessels, collagen and undifferentiated reserve mesenchymal cells
what can physical trauma to the pulp cause
may cause bruising, hemorrhage or pulpitis.
what can over-heating from polishing or scaling cause to the pulp
pulp necrosis
what can happen to the pulp after pulp exposure after a tooth fracture
can cause pulpitis or pulp necrosis
what can happen to the pulp after a loss of blood supply following trauma
ischemic necrosis
describe the gingiva
surrounds the teeth and part of the alveolar bone, forming a cuff
what are the types of gingiva
free and attached
Attached gingiva is separated from the mouths mucosa at the _______
mucogingival junction
what is the name for the gingival tissue in the space between the teeth
Interdental Papilla
What is the name of the space between the teeth
interproximal space
What is formed by the gingival margin
sulcus
What is measured by the dental probe
the sulcus depth
what is the normal mm for the dental probe in a dog
1-3mm
what is the normal mm for the dental probe in a cat
0.5-1mm
describe the gingival sulcus
Many kinds of epithelium with rapid cell turnoverJunctional epithelium is where it attaches to tooth surface, and breaks down in periodontal disease.
What is the periodontal ligament composed of
Comprised of taut collagen fiber bundles
What does the periodontal ligament do
attaches the root cementum to the alveolar bone. It acts as a suspensory ligament for the tooth
to remove a tooth with an elevator, what do you need to break
the periodontal ligament
What are tooth roots encased in
alveolar sockets
What happens to the alveolar bone when there is tooth loss
the bone atrophies
what is the most dense alveolar bone that lines the socket is called
cribiform plate
on a radiograph of the alveolar bone, it is seen as a white line called ______
lamina dura
What are the components of the periodontium
1- Gingiva2- Periodontal ligament3- Cementum4- Alveolar bone
what is the function of the periodontium
Serves to support the tooth and absorb forces
When you have a disease of the gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum or the alveolar bone, what is it called?
periodontitis
What does apical mean
towards the root
what does buccal mean
surface of tooth towards the cheeks
what does coronal mean
towards the crown
what does distal mean
surface away from the midline
what does facial mean
can be labial or buccal surface
what does inter proximal mean
surface between two teeth
what does labial mean
surface of tooth towards lips
what does lingual mean
surface of tooth towards tongue
what does mesial mean
surface towards front midline
what does occlusal mean
surface facing tooth in opposite jaw
what does palatal mean
surface of tooth towards palate
What is the cementoenamel junction
where the enamel of the crown meets the cementum of the root
what is furcation
the space between the roots of the same tooth
describe the modified triadan system
Each tooth is given a 3 digit numberThe 1st digit denotes the quadrantFor permanent teeth:Quadrant 1 : maxillary rightQuadrant 2: maxillary leftQuandrant 3: mandibular leftQuandrant 4: mandibulary right
How do you triadan number a deciduous tooth
After the 4 quadrants, deciduous teeth are numbered in quadrant 5,6,7,8
Why do we do preventative dental homecare
Critical to the overall success of a professional dental cleaningPlaque colonize the surface of a tooth within 24 hours of cleaning!If no home care: periodontal pockets can become recolonized within 2 weeks of dental procedure!Plaque at the gingival margin & subgingival area = inflammation + subsequent periodontal diseaseMaintenance of periodontal health depends on PLAQUE CONTROL AT AND BELOW THE GINGIVAL MARGIN (subgingivially)
Why do we tell clients to do dental homecare
To educate client about the importance of oral careTo gain complianceHelp develop a strong relationship between client and clinic
How do we encourage owners to be compliant with dental homecare
A picture is worth a thousands words!Poster of… Progression of the disease Impact on internal organsHealthy mouths vs diseased mouth modelPlastic modelsHandouts, pamphlets, websites…etc
When do we talk about dental home care with clients
At 1st visit (part of preventive health program)Through Puppy & Kitten packs/kitsYearly exam, talk about teeth, dietsPost dentistry, go over the importanceDuring the discharge (Vanier)2 weeks after ideally (In clinics)GOAL: Prevention!If not done: Get owners to commit to yearly PROFESSIONNAL DENTAL CLEANING!
What is prophylaxis
measure taken to maintain health and prevent the spread of disease
What are the 2 types of dental procedures performed in veterinary dentistry
1) Dental cleaning (prophylaxis) (rarely done)2) Dental treatment (what we perform most!)
What is active dental care methods
Require participation of the owner with activities like rinsing, toothbrushingMost beneficial for mesial (front teeth)
what is the passive dental care method
PASSIVE:Include treats, Px diet to enhance chewing behaviorsMost beneficial for Distal (back teeth)May be more effective because of regular compliance
What are 6 types of preventative dental care
- Tooth brushing2. Dental diets3. Treats4. Oral products5. Secure toys6. Natural Home remedies
What are some oral care products
Enzymatic oral care products (Gel, powder, rinse)Chlorexidine (gel, rinse) (to add in your notes)Zinc product MAXIGUARDHMP, Fluoride, Water additive (to add in your notes)
Describe tooth brushing
Most effective means of plaque control!But only an estimated 1% of clients brush their pets’teeth daily.Every day: Optimal to slow plaque formationEvery other day: Not as effective for gingivitis 2 times a week: minimal acceptable frequency for patients with good oral healthFocus brushing on gingival margin and interproximal spacesImportant to caution the owner about being bitten
What are 4 tips for toothbrushing compliance with animal
1) START EARLY!2) GO SLOW!3) BE CONSISTENT4) PROVIDE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
What is the use of the finger brush
will remove plaque, not tartare.g.: finger brush, cat tooth brush, gauze squaresNot as effective as bristles, but easier for some clients
Why is tooth brushing still the best way
Bristles go under the sulcusMassage action strengthens gingiva
Why do we use brushing agents
Need to taste good to improve compliancePaste: meant to be used on toothbrushHave a number of function:Help improve compliance (+ reinforcement)Can have abrasive material or grit to improve mechanical cleaning action of the brush
Why can’t we use human toothpaste for animal
It can be toxic if swallowed
Why can’t we use baking soda for brushing teeth in the animal
doesn’t taste good and has too much sodium
Why do we use dental diets
For passive home careAlone, not sufficient to maintain healthy gums as opposed to brushingHelps to plaque & tartar accumulationShould use both
Why do we use LARGE kibbles in dental diets
promotes chewing
why do we use an abrasive texture in dental diets
helps remove parts of tartar and plaque
why do we use ca chelators in dental diets
reduce calculus accumulation
What does the VOHC do
Assess efficiency of the dental products such as dental dietsCost: $$$$$Can be plaque or plaque & tartar approvedProducts with VOHC seal is objectively recommended by vetsIneffective for gingival margin: greatest efficacy around cusps tips
What are the hand instruments used during a dentistry procedure
Calculus forcepsDental Hoe or ChiselDental probe and explorer Dental mirrorHand-scaling instruments:Dental scalersCurettesPeriosteal elevatorsLuxatorsWinged- ElevatorsExtractor forceps Root tip pick
describe supra gingival
the exposed tooth surface (“above the gumline”)Most visible part of the procedure for the owner least important part for the patient’s dental health
describe sub gingival
Subgingival: part of the tooth that is covered by gingiva
What instruments are used to remove heavy gross calculus
Calculus removing forcepsDental Hoe scaler or Chisel
Describe calculus removing forceps
Curved beak instrumentUSE: Allow easy removal of HEAVY GROSS calculus from the tooth surface (SUPRAgingical) decreasing chance of fracturing the toothUsually is the 1st instrument to use before power scaling and manual scaling
Describe the dental hoe or chisel
Wide working tip, chisel*-like bladeDifferent sizes and shapesStrong instrumentUSE: SUPRAgingival HEAVY GROSS calculus removal onlyHow to use: pen gripCertain prefer hoe than calculus forceps
what are the instruments used to perform a dental exam and charting
Dental probeDental explorerDental mirror
Describe the dental probe
Also called periodontal probe, since evaluating periodontiumGraduated, blunt ended probe at one endSharp shepherd’s hook at the other end : explorer May also be single-endedThe blunt tip can be round or flat and graduated in mm or colour coded in bands.
What is the use of the dental probe
Used:1) subgingivally to explore the sulcus…Crevice that surrounds the tooth (between tooth and free gingival margin) to mainly to determine PPD: periodontal probing depth2) but also for locating the subgingival calculus and other problems This must be done before OR after the dental procedure. Record is written on a dental chart
What is the normal periodontal probing depth for a dog
1-3mm
what is the normal periodontal probing depth for a cat
0.5-1mm
what happens if your probing depth is deeper than it should be
If deeper: indicates a “pockets” due to:Detachment of the PLBone resorption
What is the dental explorer used for
Evaluate: enamel, subgingivally for plaque, caries, FORL (feline orthodontoclastic resorptive lesions)Calculus left behind
What is the dental mirror used for
Mirror good for seeing lesions palatally or lingually easily. Takes some getting used to
What are the instruments used for periodontal therapy
Manual Dental scalerManuel CurettesUniversalGracey
Describe the dental scaler
Triangular blade in cross section, with cutting capability at all three points of the triangle.2 parallel cutting edgesPointed toeUsed for removing supragingival calculus only. It is NEVER used subgingivally!Can distend or lacerate tissueIt requires a modified pen grip. This instrument must be kept sharp. Due to improvements in ultrasonic scaler tip technology, we tend to use it less but should be used after power scaling.
Describe the curette
Doubled-ended instrument for easier access of all sides of toothOn end going to the right, one end going to the left
What are the common elements of a curette
Common elements:Rounded backRounded toe (so less traumatic than scaler)Semi-circular cross section
Why do we use a curette
Type of scaler designed for moderate calculus removal on SUPRAgingival and SUBgingival surfaces (called periodontal therapy)Should be used after power ultrasonic scaling procedure.Be carefull! Stronger, sharper instrumentsTake more efforts that power ultrasonic scaling
Describe the universal curette
Universal: designed for easy adaptation on all tooth surfaces (thus the name “universal”)
Describe the gracey curette
Gracey: designed to use on specific tooth surfaces that improve adaptation and calculus removal
How do you use a universal curette
Shank parallel to the tooth surface being scaledCutting edge of blade is applied to the tooth surface and facial surface of blade is tilted toward the tooth to achieve 70-85° angle between tooth and blade Apply lateral pressure against the tooth and pull upward while maintaining contact with the tooth
How do you use a gracey curette
Shank parallel to the tooth surface being scaledLower cutting edge of blade is applied against the tooth surfaceApply pressure against the tooth (root) and pull upward, maintaining the parallel shank
What are the dental instruments used to extract teeth
Periosteal ElevatorsLuxatorsElevators (winged-elevators)Root tip pic
Describe the periosteal elevators
Other name: periosteotome: instrument used to cut the periosteum: membrane that cover the surface of all bonesThin and small very delicate ends
Describe the use of the periosteal elevators
USE: Mainly used to lift full thickness soft tissue flaps, usually gingiva from alveolar bone before extractionAfter incision is made on the gingiva of one side or either side of the tooth to be extractedThe tips require protection and need to be kept very sharp otherwise shredding of the flap can happen.
What do we use luxators and elevators for
“leverage”: displace tooth root from its socket PL: periodontal ligamentAlveolus : tooth socket
Describe luxators
Very fine and sharp instruments with flap tipCan be easily damaged if used as elevatorThe tip is not designed for the extra force used with elevation (not for “leverage”) : they will break!
How do you use a luxator
USE: for cutting the PL and expanding the alveolus (“to luxate the tooth”)…by inserting the instrument tip into the periodontal space with a gentle side to side rocking motion continuing down the length of the root
Describe elevator
Have thicker working endsWinged elevators: makes extractions easier, added leverage
How do you use an elevator
USE: to stretch, cut, tear the PL + displace tooth root from its socket (so for leverage) So can be used as luxator and elevator
What are the 2 uses of extraction forceps
1) Primarily for gripping the tooth or a root for removal during extraction once it has been luxated loose2) Can also be used to remove gross supragingival calculus instead of using calculus forceps
What do you use a root tip pick as
For removing small pieces of broken root tips Some use it as a luxator Very sharp
What is in a Vanier suture kit
fine scissors, scalpel handle, suture material, periosteal elevator, rat tooth tissue forceps, olsen hagar needle drivers, scalpel blades
How do you clean dental instruments
Cleaning and sterilization process same as surgical instrumentsSterilized dental instrument kit per patient
Describe the importance of dental instrument sharpening
Only basic sharpening techniques will be covered Sharpening should be done after each useOne vet tech should be in chargeSharp instruments is the key for an enjoyable procedure
What are the basic materials needed for dental sharpening
Basic materials:Mineral oil: provide fine finish, and little of the instrument is reducedWipe clean after usedMay be autoclavedArkansas flat stone (coarse and fine)Conical stone: to removed spiculesAcrylic test stick or syringe case: to evaluate sharpnessTo dig the instrument in not to scrape the acrylic
What is the basic instrument sharpening technique
Put 1 drop of oil on the stone and distribute the oil You want to sharp only the cutting end of the instrumentDepending of the instrument…. place on the stone and move back and forth (curette, scaler) OR Place on the stone, sharp down or in circle then replaced it up, then sharp down or in circle (periosteal elevators, winged elevators)
What is the checklist for occlusal evaluation
Incisor relationshipCanine occlusionPremolar alignment, Distal premolar/molar occlusion,Individual teeth positioning
What are some anatomical structures of the mouth
A - Opening of incisive duct B - Incisive Papilla C - Rugae Palitinae on hard palate D - Soft Palate E - Palatoglossal Fold
What is the checklist for oral examination on an asleep animal
OropharynxLips and cheeksOral MMHard palpateFloor of mouth and tongueTeethPeriodontium of each tooth
What does the examination of the oropharynx include on an asleep animal
Oropharynx including soft palate, tonsillar crypts and tonsils
Why do we found the heaviest calculus at the buccal surface of the upper cheek teeth?
Due to the location of the salivary glands, and tight lips of animal
What is the philtrum
Philtrum: vertical groove in the middle area of the upper lip, common to many mammals, extending from the nose to the upper lip
What is a frenulum
Frenula (pluriel) frenulum (singular): small fold of tossus that secure or restricts tissue motion
What is included in a lip and cheek examination for the asleep animal
mucocutaneous junction, philtrum, frenula, salivary papilla
What is included in a oral mucus membrane examination of the asleep animal
Oral mucous membranes: alveolar gingiva & mucosa, mucogingival line (junction), attached gingiva, free gingiva
What is included in an hard palate examination of an asleep animal
Hard palate: incisive papilla, duct openings , palatal rugae
What is the incisive papilla/jacobson’s organ
papilla is a projection, or small fold of mucous membrane, located at the anterior end of the hard palate incisors. In other words, it’s on the roof of a dog’s mouth in the middle behind his front teeth. It develops during the embryo stage, and it’s perfectly normal. It’s an extra olfactory organ, or chamber, called the vomeronasal organ. It has fluid-filled sacs that open into the mouth or the nose. It’s also known as Jacobson’s organ.
What is included in the floor of mouth and tongue examination of an asleep animal
sublingual frenulum, lingual frenulum, lingual salivary gland (cat only), tongue papilla
what is included in a teeth examination of an asleep animal
primary, permanent or mixed dentitionmissing and/or supernumeraryabnormalities size/shapeWear patterns (abrasion, attrition)Pathology
What is a dental chart and what is its importance
Info from exam or any treatment needs to be recordedBasic dental record: 2 parts: written notes & completed dental chartSupplemented with clinical notes, additional dx tests & radiographs
What is dental charting
Diaphragmatic representation of the dentition where info (findings & tx) can be entered in a pictorial and/or notational form
What is the periodontium
the tissues that surround and support the teeth
What is Periodontium:
periodontal tissues (4)
What is Gingivitis:
inflammation of the gingiva
What is Periodontal disease:
disease of any part ot the periodontium (gingivitis & periodontitis)
What is Periodontitis:
inflammatory disease affecting the periodontium resulting in loss of attachment and eventually tooth loss
Hw do you examine the periodontium
- identify presence of periodontal disease2. Differentiate between gingivitis and periodontitis3. Identify precise location of disease processes4. Assess the extent of tissue destruction
What are the criteria that should be examined for each tooth
Gingivitis indexPeriodontal probing depth (PPD) (pocket depth)Gingival recession (recession index)Furcation involvementMobilityPeriodontal attachment level
What is listed on the dental chart
Recession indexCalculus indexGingivitis indexPeriodontal index Furcation exposure indexMobility indexProbe depth
What does plaque lead to
Lead to gingival irritation and gingivitisAmount should be recorded before cleaning
What agents can be used to visualize plaque
ATP stripsSpecial Fluorescent dental lightStain plaque
what is the gingivitis index
Presence of degree of inflammation is assessed by combination of redness, swelling, bleeding
how do you measure the gingivitis index
by gentle probing
What is the periodontal pocket depth/probe depth
how deep you can stick your probe into the sulcus.
What is gingival recession
when the gingiva is eaten away and destroyed around the tooth
When can a pseudo pocket occur
when gingival hyperplasia (GH) occursNote: GH should be called gingival enlargement since GH is a microscopic diagnostic
What is furcation involvement index
how much of the furcation of a tooth is exposed :shows alveolar bone loss
What is the mobility index
how mobile a tooth is
what are the 4 stages of periodontal disease
stage 1stage 2stage 3stage 4
Describe stage 1 periodontal disease
Stage 1 – Gingivitis only with attachment loss.
Describe stage 2 periodontal disease
Stage 2 – Less than 25% attachment loss. Grade 1furcations present.
describe stage 3 periodontal disease
Stage 3 – 25 to 50% attachment loss. Grade 2furcations present
describe stage 4 periodontal disease
Stage 4 – Over 50 % attachment loss. Grade 3furcations present.
What are the indications for taking dental radiographs
Before and after extractions Periodontal diseaseDiscolored teethFractured teethGingival ulcersMissing teeth (Evaluate an area where the teeth appear to be missing)Malocclusions causing traumaMalformed teethTooth resorptions or root resorptionsPet dropping foodFoul odor in mouthReluctance to eatReluctance to eat chewsNasal discharge
What are the medical indications for taking dental radiographs
To document the obvious - supporting treatment decisions Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative endodontics Endodontics: dental speciality concerned with the study & tx of dental pulpFollow progression of pulpal pathology and/or periodontal disease
What are the legal indications for dental radiographs
Part of the file/ Legal documentationFor client communicationFor prepurchase exams on show dogs to see if the proper number of teeth exist
What are the practice management/economical reasons for doing dental radiographs
Dental radiology pays for the expensive “toys” that don’t pay for themselves……” Or “ we are losing money by not taking intraoral x-rays!“Because it is a diagnostic toolWe found lesions – we treat them!
Describe the dental X-ray machine
Provides the X-ray sourcePortable or wall-mountedPortableFloor trolley (less user friendlyHand-held dental x-ray unitKVp and MA settings are fixedUsually 50-70 KVpmA is fixed (8-10)Can use regular rad machine, but film-focus distance is only 30-50 cmBetter to use dental machine
What is the one exposure variable for the dental X-ray machine
time in seconds
What are two types of dental radiology
dental standard radiology digital dental radiology
What are the two types of digital dental radiology
indirect (CR)direct (DR)
Describe dental film
Small & flexibleNon-screen filmSize 0, 1, 2 (periapical), size 4 (occlusal)Non screen filmSingle emulsionSpeed: D (ultra) E, F(EKTA) E, F: lower detailD: commonly used
Why is the dental film in an envelope
to protect it from light exposure