Dentistry
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.
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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.
