Veterinary dentistry has grown rapidly, and many veterinary clinics now perform scaling, extractions and oral surgery routinely. Many of the instruments used are the same or similar to those used in human dentistry, but there are important differences.
Instruments that overlap
- Periodontal probes and explorers.
- Scalers and curettes.
- Periosteal elevators.
- Luxating and root elevators.
- Needle holders, tissue forceps and scissors.
- Mouth mirrors.
Key differences
Size range
Patients range from cats and small dogs to large dogs, so instruments are needed in a wider range of sizes, from very fine to robust.
Extraction technique
Animal teeth, particularly canines and carnassials, have long, curved roots. Veterinary extractions rely heavily on elevators and luxators, often with surgical sectioning, and less on forceps.
Specialised instruments
- Small-breed elevators and luxators.
- Root tip picks in fine sizes.
- Specific extraction forceps for small teeth.
Building a veterinary kit
- Diagnostic: probe, explorer, mirror.
- Hygiene: scalers, curettes.
- Surgical: luxators and elevators in several sizes, periosteal elevator, scalpel handle.
- Closure: needle holder, tissue forceps, scissors.
Care
Reprocessing principles are the same: clean promptly, sterilise and inspect. Fine instruments for small patients need extra care.
Aurix can assemble custom kits for veterinary clinics. Build a kit or contact us.
