Periodontal
Disease
Currently the number one diagnosed problem in dogs and cats over
age three is Periodontal disease. Problems begin when food
particles and bacteria build up in the mouth, forming plaque and
tartar, causing gingivitis and severe periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease can result in a host of problems including
tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, and, in severe cases,
tooth loss. Bacteria that cause periodontal disease can even
enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, liver, kidney and
lungs.
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Periodontal
Disease begins with
gingivitis. This reversible process does not extend into
the alveolar bone or periodontal ligament. However, with
time this inflammation will extend to the bone and
periodontal ligaments. At this point, tooth loss is
inevitable without veterinary intervention.
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 Stage
1: Gingivitis
The beginning stage of
inflammation of the gum. Gingival (gum) swelling and
redness. At this point, plaque covers the teeth. |
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 Stage
2: Advanced Gingivitis
Gingival inflammation,
edema, bleeding upon probing, without bone loss or tooth
mobility; tartar covering teeth above and below the gum
line. |
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 Stage
3: Established Periodontitis
Moderate loss of
attachment, appearing as pocket formation, slight tooth
mobility, possible pustular discharge with probing. |
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 Stage
4: Advanced Periodontitis
Marked bone loss, tooth
mobility, gingival recession, severe pocket depth,
eventually leading to tooth loss. |
Dental Cleaning
The elements of a professional dental cleaning or
"prophylaxis" ("prophy" for short) are
scaling, or scraping away plaque and tartar, and polishing. This
must be done with the pet under general anesthesia. No other
method can clean the teeth thoroughly, especially in the crucial
area around and under the gums. Simply scraping off the visible
tartar can actually cause more tooth damage, leaving tiny
scratches on the tooth, which collect bacteria.
Scaling
The removal of tartar and plaque by the vibration of an
ultrasonic or sonic scaler, or with hand instruments is called
scaling. Special scalers and hand instruments can also be used
to clean any exposed root surfaces. The turbulent action of
ultrasonic scaling also kills the bacteria in the periodontal
pockets. All scaling methods leave tiny scratches on the tooth
surface, which must then be smoothed by polishing with a
very fine pumice paste.
If a pocket in the
gum line is too extensive, or if the tooth is loose or
abscessed, the tooth must be removed.
Pets, especially cats, can also
develop lesions similar to human cavities, except that they
usually occur at the gum line. X-rays can be used to evaluate
the rest of the tooth, and the smaller lesions may be filled if
no other problems exist under the gum line.
MY DOG (CAT)
IS OLD. IS IT WORTH IT TO PUT HIM THROUGH THIS PROCEDURE?
Absolutely! The risks of
complications from dental disease far outweigh the risks
associated with a short term anesthetic procedure. There are
some exceptions for dogs or cats with special health problems,
but in a majority of cases, the pain relief that your pet will
experience after diseased teeth are removed and mouth infection
is treated will not only extend his life, but will improve his
quality of life as well. If we don't treat the condition, your
pet will experience chronic mouth pain, a constant barrage of
bacteria down the back of his throat (contributing to coughs and
poor eating habits), and possible complications associated with
bacterial seeding of the kidneys or prostate. Pets with heart
disease are at risk for bacterial endocarditis (bacterial
infection of the heart valves). In addition, dental infections
can progress to severe abscessation which forces an anesthetic
procedure when the pet is not in optimal health.
We require preanesthetic
testing for all pets undergoing anesthesia, especially those
over 7 years old.
