Dental radiology is a core skill in SA veterinary practice. The visible part of the tooth (crown) is only around 30% of the total length. The root, comprising 70% of the total, is invisible to a gross examination. Most of the common dental conditions in practice, specifically periodontal or endodontic disease, require diagnostic radiographs to diagnose, prognose and establish a treatment plan. Periodontal disease is one of tooth attachment loss whereas endodontic disease is one of toxin leakage through the root apex. In addition, Feline Tooth Resorption lesions (Feline TR) require radiographs to differentiate those teeth that need conventional extraction from those that need crown amputation. Missing teeth are common and need to proven to be so radiographically. A tooth is not missing until the radiographs says so. Teeth not visible can be impacted or embedded in the jaw. In most cases these are painful and need surgical attention. This webinar is designed to show participants how and why dental radiographs are so important to the veterinarian performing routine dentistry in a practice setting. What lies beneath? You will soon find out!

This seminar will discuss the steps involved in performing a thorough dental clean, including the recording of all findings on a dental chart, the importance of oral radiography for detecting pathology, the cleaning of the teeth surfaces, both above and below the gum line and finally, but most importantly, the homecare advice required to prevent or slow down plaque reforming on the teeth.

'Periodontal' comes from two Greek words that mean 'around the tooth.' Periodontal disease is associated with the inflammation and loss of the deep supporting structures of teeth. A number of criteria are used to assess the oral health of a dog and assign a grade. These include the amount and distribution of plaque and calculus, health of the gingiva (gums), radiologic appearance, and the depth of pockets.