DENTAL DIAGRAMS SKIN

In the absence of a chlorhexidine-based solution that would typically be used for surgical skin preparation in other areas of the body, an oral rinse formulation is required. Air-driven dental unit with distilled water and chlorhexidine solution. Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic with the ability to bind to oral tissues with good substantivity, which means it is effective for a period of around 12–14 hours (Cappelli and Mobley, 2008).įigure 4a and 4b. It is ideal if the unit has both a distilled water bottle and a brown/amber bottle containing a chlorhexidine-based solution attached (Figure 4b).

A 2 ml syringe with plunger removed and hub cut off is recommended for dogs.Īn air-driven dental unit is required, including an air/water syringe as pictured in Figure 4a. They are thought to be related to maxillary artery compromise and optic nerve damage, respectively they create a wide gape, often for prolonged periods of time during surgery (Benney, 2017).įigure 3a and 3b. Spring-loaded metal mouth gags are not recommended, especially in cats, as they have been identified as a potential risk factor in the development of cerebral ischaemia and blindness. It is recommended that a 2 ml syringe with the plunger removed and the hub cut off is used for dogs (Figures 3a and 3b), whereas a needle cap with the closed end cut off is very useful in cats. A good quality light source is needed for thorough oral cavity assessment.Ī mouth gag is essential for allowing easy access to the oral cavity for assessment purposes. Figure 2 shows an example of a good quality light source which facilitates this, while saving floor space by virtue of being wall-mounted.įigure 2. In order to assess the oral cavity thoroughly so that no pathology is missed, the operator must have a good light source available. Example of a good quality canine dental chart. As technology advances it may become common-place to complete electronic versions of dental charts.įigure 1. It will also have pictures of different types of occlusion that can be circled, a key to completing the dental chart, a tick list of treatments or interventions performed, and space to make additional notes, such as the start and end of surgical time, and anything noteworthy that is associated with the mucosae of each arcade (Baxter, 2013). All of the teeth for the species will be listed somewhere near the pictures provided, with room to write the findings associated with each tooth next to it. A good chart will have open mouth views of the dental arcades as well as lateral views of the teeth and a rostrocaudal view, as pictured. General anaestheticįigure 1 is an example of an adult canine dental chart, where the patient's details are recorded in the boxes in the top left-hand corner of the paper. This can only serve to improve VN knowledge regarding oral nomenclature and terminology, tooth and root morphology, and the correct identification and quantification of pathology. The actual process of probing and charting is not just the remit of the VS an appropriately trained VN can be designated to the task of performing this thorough oral assessment. All of the findings from assessment under anaesthetic should be recorded on a dental chart, and the VS can then use this information to decide on a treatment plan (Holmstrom et al, 2004). If a problem is suspected or pathology has been identified, reassessment of the oral cavity visually and via the use of instruments once the animal is anaesthetised, coupled with diagnostic imaging, is then essential. This conscious assessment is the first stage of the process because the VN or VS will most likely make initial contact with the client and patient during a consultation. All of these must be visually assessed by the veterinary nurse (VN) or veterinary surgeon (VS) to identify any pathology while the animal is conscious, noting anything suspicious or abnormal on the clinical records. The oral cavity comprises the lips, mucosal tissues, tongue, teeth and periodontal structures supporting the teeth.

Dental diagrams