Standard views
EQUINE DENTISTRY — AN INTRODUCTION 15
Standard views
Incisors
Dorso ventral 20 º rostral ( Maxillary incisors and canines ) intraoral Ventro dorsal 20 º rostral ( Mandibular incisors and canines ) intraoral
Cheek teeth Lateral
Latero 30 º dorsal latero ventral oblique Latero 35-45 º ventral latero dorsal oblique Open mouth lateral oblique Dorso ventral offset mandible Dorso ventral 20 º rostral ( Maxillary incisors and canines ) intraoral
This view involves placing the cassette between the horses incisors ( the patient needs adequate restraint and sedation to avoid damage to the cassette ) The X-ray machine is then positioned dorsally and rostrally to the horse ’ s muzzle . The position relative to the midline will vary depending on which tooth is of primary interest , for central incisors the machine should be in line with the midline , for middle and lateral incisors the machine will need to be positioned on a more oblique angle with the rear of the machine positioned more laterally . Correct positioning will allow good visualisation of structures such as pulp cavities and periodontal space .
Ventro dorsal 20 º rostral ( Mandibular incisors and canines ) intraoral
This is view is essentially similar to the one above except that it is shot from a ventral position . This can be awkward as it involves placing the machine under the horse and care needs to be taken with safety and with positioning .
Lateral view
This view is of limited value in examining dental structures however it is useful for examination of the sinuses and to look for the presence of fluid . To assist with this it is best if the horse is positioned with the lips resting on some form of support and the bridge of the nose as near to vertical as possible . The Xray plate should be positioned so it is centered over the rostral point of the facial crest with the base of the plate parallel with the ground . This allows easy determination of the location of fluid lines in the sinuses by allowing the practioner to know the location of the horizontal plane relative to the horses head when viewing images .
Latero 30 º dorsal latero ventral oblique
Oblique views like this one provide the most convenient method of producing separate views of the right and left cheek teeth arcades . The plate is placed against the affected side usually centred over the facial crest and the beam is then directed from the opposite side of the horse at about 30 degrees to the horizontal plane . The dorsal long edge of the plate should be roughly parallel with the bridge of the horse ’ s nose . The exact angle required will vary from patient to patient especially with regards to age . As a general rule a steeper angle will be required in younger horses due to the long reserve crown of the teeth where as a shallower angle maybe necessary in older horses .