Vet Dental Instruments

Humans and their pets usually have similar teeth. Humans have 32 teeth, consisting of incisors, canines, premolars and molars. Our popular companions--dogs, cats, horses, and most other mammals--also have incisors, canines, premolars and molars, although the actual number and shape of the teeth vary. As a result, veterinarians can use the same basic dental instruments that dentists use to examine human teeth.

  1. Curette

    • A curette is defined by the MedTerms.com website as a spoon-shaped instrument with a sharp edge. This tool is used to scrape tissue from the inside of the animal's mouth in order to perform tests in the laboratory or to remove growths.

    Scaler

    • A scaler is a hook-shaped dental instrument with a sharp point used to remove calculus, a combination of calcium phosphate, carbonate and organic matter, from teeth. Calculus, also known as tartar, builds up on the patient's teeth over time, causing yellowish discoloration and putting the patient at risk for gum diseases like gingivitis.

    Peridontal Probe

    • This tool is long and thin with a blunted end and a handle. It measures the depth of the pockets in the gums, around the teeth. It is an effective way for vets to gauge the severity of periodontal disease, which occurs without proper cleaning, according to the AtlantaDentist.com website.

    Dental Explorer

    • This dental tool is used to perform tactile examinations of the animal's teeth. It has a curved head with a sharp point and helps the vet identify cavities and other tooth defects, according to The Medical Dictionary. The sharp point allows the vet to appraise the hardness of a tooth which is compromised by decay.