Canine Dental Instruments

Dogs and humans have similar teeth. While the number and general shape of the teeth are slightly different, we both have molars, premolars, incisors and canines. Due to this convenient fact, the same basic tools dentist use to check human teeth are also used by veterinarians for dogs.

  1. Dental Explorer

    • A dental explorer is a tool that has a sharp point on a curved head. The purpose of the instrument is to check the dog's teeth via a tactile examination. According to the Medical Dictionary, the tool is used to locate tooth defects and cavities. The point can test the hardness of a tooth damaged by decay.

    Curette

    • A curette as a sharp-edged, spoon-shaped instrument that is used to scour off tissue from the inner portion of a dog's mouth. This tissue can then have growths removed or be tested in a laboratory.

    Peridontal Probe

    • A periodontal probe is a thin and long instrument containing a handle and an end that is blunted. The main purpose of this tool is to measure the pocket depth within the gums surrounding the teeth. This allows veterinarians to effectively and accurately assess the severity of any periodontal disease.

    Scaler

    • A scaler is a dental tool that contains a sharp point and is hook-shaped. This instrument is used to remove tarter, a mixture of organic matter, calcium phosphate and carbonate from teeth. Tarter, also known as calculus, creates yellow discoloration on the teeth as it builds up. If left unchecked, the dog is at high risk for gingivitis and other types of gum disease.