VetTips: Dental Radiology Part One

Tip 1: Dental X-Ray Machines

You don’t need a special machine! but you will need to work out a chart of settings. A starting point might be: kVp of 65 (small/toy breed dog and cats), 70 (15kg dog), 75 (25kg dog) and 85 (large breed dogs), mA of 100. Time depends on the film used, of course. If you are using standard cassettes, a time of 0.05 seconds is required, whereas for Ultra-speed, ‘D’ speed, intra-oral film, a time of 0.1 seconds for dogs and 0.08 seconds for cats will usually produce a nice radiograph. So, lets get started!

Tip 2: Dental Radiology

We are missing 27-53% of dental pathology by avoiding dental radiology. In a study published over 10 years ago, it was found that full mouth intraoral radiographs showed otherwise undetected pathology in 50% of dogs and 53.9% of cats with abnormal findings on clinical oral examination (verstraete et al. Am J Vet Res 1998 59: 692-5). In patients with no clinical abnormalities, significant pathology was found in a 27.8% of dogs and 41.7% of cats.

Tip 3: SLOB Rule (horizontal angulation)

SLOB = Same Lingual Opposite Buccal
Changing the horizontal angulation (oblique angles) allows different views to be taken which aids in separation of superimposed objects. This is most commonly used when imaging the maxillary fourth premolar teeth, where the lateral view results in superimposition of the mesiobuccal and palatal roots. The SLOB rule tells us which root is which – the one that moves in the same direction as we move our x-ray machine is the more lingual (palatal) root.

Dental Radiology Workshop Jun 12th & 13th, VIC

“Dissatisfaction and discouragement is caused by lack of vision.” President Eisenhower

Make dental procedures easier by being able to see what you are treating below the gumline.

This workshop offers a positive approach to veterinary dentistry that will contribute to a calmer and less painful dental protocol in your hospital.

To download the brochure click here.

Or click here to register!

Book before May 12th to receive our Early Bird Special!