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Equine Dentistry: The Oral Examination. Robert M. Baratt, DVM, MS. The Oral Exam. Lifting the lips for a look at incisors and inserting an index finger to assess sharp points is not the type of examination that detects oral pathology with any regularity. A thorough oral exam requires:
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Equine Dentistry: The Oral Examination Robert M. Baratt, DVM, MS
The Oral Exam Lifting the lips for a look at incisors and inserting an index finger to assess sharp points is not the type of examination that detects oral pathology with any regularity. A thorough oral exam requires: • Sedation of the patient • A full mouth speculum • A good light source • A dental mirror • A dental explorer
Oral Examination Oral examination requires a detailed tooth-by-tooth examination for identification of: • Tooth Decay (caries) • Periodontal disease • Crown fractures • Soft tissue lacerations • Anomalous dentition
Sedation and Restraint Equine dentistry requires the use of a variety of instruments within the horse’s mouth. For the safety of the horse and operators, adequate sedation, local anesthesia and restraint are important
Dental Radiography Digital dental radiography facilitates accurate diagnosis of oral pathology in the field. Digital images can be quickly sent by email for a rapid consultation or 2nd opinion.
Intra-oral radiograph of the left maxillary cheek teeth The use of intra-oral radiography allows for a much more detailed and accurate assessment of the teeth and periodontal disease in this geriatric horse with a wave malocclusion and crown fractures.
Intra-oral Radiography • As in many advanced dental procedures, radiography requires adequate sedation and restraint, so the horse is not frightened and the veterinarian is not injured.