T11: Veterinary Dental Nursing Flashcards
(46 cards)
What does dental prophylaxis involve?
oral examination in the conscious and anaesthetised patient, sub- and supra-gingival tooth scaling and polishing and the subsequent development of a homecare plan
Oral or peridontal disease is defined by:
progressive process of inflammation causing changes to the tooth and surrounding structures.
What is plaque, what does it do and how does it form?
What other diseases does it cause?
- Plaque is comprised of bacteria, food particles, saliva, white blood cells and epithelial cells that have sloughed off
- begins to release bacterial endotoxins and disrupt the tooth structure. Plaque then calcifies with minerals in the saliva to form a hard thick substance which is tartar or calculus
- ongoing formation of calculus can harbour bacteria which then are enabled to get under the gum line, causing gingivitis
Examination of the awake dental patient involves?
looking at the shape of the skull, the symmetry of the head and face, the absence or presence of any lumps, any ocular or nasal discharge or swelling, any abnormalities of the lips, tongue, mouth, tissue etc.
What is the cephalic index?
charting of or classification of the Cephalic ratio; the cranial width as compared to cranial length. The cephalic index refers to the cranium and its relative size, comparing cranial length to cranial width.
Describe the 3 cephalic indexes
- Brachycephalic (short-headed)
- length of cranium is shorter than width
- eg pug or persian - Mesaticephalic (medium)
- medium length and width
- most domestic cats, labradors, cattle dogs - Dolichocephalic (long)
- breadth less than 80% of total length
- eg greyhounds, saluki’s, oriental cats
What does apical mean?
towards the root
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 does buccal mean?
surface of tooth towards cheeks
What does coronal mean?
towards the crown
What does distal mean?
surface away from midline
What does interproximal mean?
surface between two teeth
What does labial mean?
surface of tooth towards lips
A dental patient pre-questionaire is a good way of gathering info.
What questions might you include in this questionnaire?
- When was the last time your pet had any food?
- Has your pet been unwell recently?
- Does your pet have any diagnosed illnesses?
- Is your pet currently taking any medications or supplements?
- Has your pet received any medications or supplements before being dropped off today?
- What was the name and dose?
- When was your pets last dental cleaning and have they had any previous extraction’s or oral surgery?
- What food does your pet normally eat?
- Some others could be things like:
- Does your pet have bad breath?
- Discoloured teeth?
- Does your pet drool or salivate excessively?
- Does your pet have trouble or seem reluctant to eat?
- Do you find it easy to medicate your pet with tablets? Liquid? Paste? Other?__________________
- Does your pet paw at its mouth?
- Do you think your pet is painful?
- Have you noticed any inflamed or red gums?
- Have you noticed any facial swelling?
How can you assist with drainage during a dental procedure?
- have table slightly tilted
- lateral recumbency= towel or sandbag under head
What information should be recorded on a dental chart
- intra and extra oral examination findings
- changes to gums or teeth
- missing ot broken teeth
- extra teeth
- plaque
- gingivitis
Describe the modified triadan system for dental charting
- system is based on the permanent dentition of the pig, which has 11 teeth in each quadrant - three incisors, one canine, four premolars and three molars. The grand total is 44 teeth. The same framework exists for all species
- first digit of the modified Triadan system denotes the quadrant:
Right upper permanent = 1
Right upper deciduous = 5
Left upper permanent = 2
Left upper deciduous = 6
Left lower permanent = 3
Left lower deciduous = 7
Right lower permanent = 4
Right lower deciduous = 811
- second and third digits denote the tooth position within the quadrant, with the sequence always starting at the midline.
- rule of fours and nines”. The canine teeth are always Number 4 when present. The first molars are always number 9 when present. In addition, the carnassials are always the upper fourth premolars and lower first molars.
What is rule of fours and nines?
The canine teeth are always Number 4 when present. The first molars are always number 9 when present. In addition, the carnassials are always the upper fourth premolars and lower first molars.
What are ultrasonic scalers used for?
how does it work?
What types are available?
- to remove calculus rapidly from the tooth surface.
- scaling tip vibrates in the ultrasonic range of 20-45 kHz (i.e. 20,000 to 45,000 times per second), with an optimum frequency between 18 kHz and 32kHz.
- Most of the scaling power is available at the tip, which is cooled with a jet of water.
- There are three basic types – magnetostrictive, piezo-electric and Odontoson™.
What is the maximum time able to spend scaling each tooth and why?
- 10 seconds
- can kill tooth by ultrasonic trauma (over heating)
How should you hold an ultrasonic scaler?
Use a modified pen grip - use only the side of the tip. This is the most effective and least damaging area of the instrument to place on the teeth.
