Veterinary Dentistry Today » periodontal disease

Periodontal and Endodontic Disease in a Mandibular Molar in a Dog

Brett — Fri, 13 May 2011 12:52:56 +0000

Periodontal and endodontic disease in a mandibular molar in a dog is shown here. This young dog underwent a thorough prophylaxis. The technician at the hospital does the majority of the prophy’s. They have no dental radiography. We visited and took full mouth radiographs. Once completed we asked the technician to comment on the oral health. No signficiant changes were noted, however look at the radiograph. Severe periodontal bone loss is present with profound periapical lucencies indicative of endodontic disease.

This tooth looks fairly normal. Some erythema is present. Blood on the distal crown is from probing in the distal periodontal pocket.

Severe periodontal and endodontic disease is present on the radiograph. Extraction is the treatment of choice.

Severe Class III Malocclusion in a Dog – Underbite

Brett — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:45:47 +0000

This Scottish Terrier dog had a severe Class III malocclusion resulting in canine trauma from the maxillary intermediate incisors and lingual floor trauma from the maxillary central incisors. Extraction of the offending was resolved the traumatic occlusion.

Trauma is evident at the gingival margin from the intermediate incisors.

Extracting the intermediate incisors will allow the central incisors to dig deeper into the lingual floor making these two defects significantly worse. Extraction eliminates this concern.

Anesthesia Free Dentistry for Pets Especially Dogs and Cats…Malpractice?

Brett — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 01:37:42 +0000

Anesthesia free dentistry (anesthesia-free) in pets particularly in dogs and cats is unfortunately becoming more common. This is a very timely and important post meant to benefit pet parents, veterinarians and most of all our pets.

This case is unfortunately a very common problem these days. In order to avoid general anesthesia, as was the case in this 10 year old dog, the choice was made to to provide regular cleaning without anesthesia. Although this patient received excellent home care including brushing daily profound disease below the gum line was the disastrous result. Is anesthesia free dentistry for our pets the right choice? Please view the pictures of this patient below. Commentary to follow.

The right maxillary premolars and molars only have minor tartar and relatively no gingivitis

Radiograph of the teeth in the picture above. The arrows point to dark areas that represent the profound destruction of bone due to periodontal disease.

The right mandible of the patient above shows little tartar or gingivitis

The arrows point to black voids in the bone destroyed by periodontal disease.

The case above is the rule, not the exception. Disease below the gum line results from plaque accumulation and years of improper “oral hygeine” in the form of anesthesia free dental cleaning.

This bizarre practice originated in grooming facilities as a service to supplement income despite its negative impact on the patient. As sad as it seems some veterinary practices have adopted this practice for similar reasons.

Unfortunately it is very harmful for the enamel by creating more of a rough surface for plaque and tartar to accumulate more quickly and in greater volume. More importantly it does the patient a great injustice by neglecting the only place where periodontal disease is most profound: below the gum line.

Lawsuits against those performing this service are on the rise. Anesthesia free dentistry is cosmetic only, hiding the true disease that exists below the gum line. Seek professional dental care from caring veterinarians who have been properly trained to perform safe dental cleaning, proper oral evaluation, dental probing and x-rays under anesthesia.

The American Veterinary Dental College Position Statement on Companion Animal Dental Scaling Without Anesthesia

Veterinary News Network on Anesthesia Free Dentistry for Pets

Periodontal Disease and Anesthetic Risks in Veterinary Dentistry Client Education Video

Brett — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 13:34:17 +0000

Persistent Oral Pain Post Extraction in a Dog

Brett — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 18:53:27 +0000

This dog had multiple extractions done several weeks prior to presentation. Radiography revealed no changes however an at the mesial aspect of 208 and the mesial aspect of 309 demonstrated persistent inflammation despite healing of the rest of the tissue. A small remnant of crown was found at the described area of 208. Two small flecks of tartar were removed from the inflamed area at 309.

The crown remnant is seen here.

Note the small remnant of tartar to the right of the open defect.