In the clinical setting veterinarians often rely on oral examination to determine if a dental procedure is required. However, subgingival pathology may go undiagnosed. Two important veterinary dentistry diagnostic tools are the dental probe/explorer and dental radiography. The dental probe/explorer helps determine periodontal pocket depth and evaluate exposed pulp chambers and enamel defects; dental radiography assists in the discovery of subgingival pathology not visible during oral examination.