Periodontal disease is the most prevalent disease in pets. Periodontal disease is typically associated with active bacterial infections that can lead to substantial disease and loss of periodontal structures, which may lead to other complications to the patient's health. Antibiotics can greatly improve the success of treatment, but are not a cure for the condition. Collectively, the periodontal tissues are referred to as the periodontium. They are the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums (gingiva), periodontal ligament, alveolar bone and cementum.
The tooth sits in the alveolar socket (a pocket in the bone of the jaw) and the periodontal ligament attaches the outermost layer of the tooth's root (cementum) to the alveolar socket.
The periodontal ligament acts as a shock absorber for forces the tooth sustains, and its epithelial attachment keeps bacteria from entering the deeper tissues.
The gingival margin is the edge of gum tissue that lies closely against the neck of the tooth where normally the crown meets the root.
The gingival sulcus is a groove or space between this margin and the tooth and can be up to 1-3mm in depth in the normal dog.
The gingival margin of a cat is usually so closely associated with the tooth, that any sulcus deeper than 0.5mm may be considered abnormal.
In any one patient, the varying severity of disease allows for staging of the condition for the treatment that is typically most appropriate.
Our staff is trained to identify the stages of disease present in every case. A complete examination of the full extent of periodontal disease requires anesthesia of the patient. Then by understanding the anatomy and progression of periodontal disease and the structures it affects, a systematic therapeutic plan can be formulated to halt and even reverse the disease process. While a complete dental cleaning or prophylaxis is certainly the first step in periodontal therapy, there are additional treatments that can greatly improve treatment success. Periodontal disease, in most cases, causes the animal no noticeable pain or discomfort, resulting in advanced disease states before detection. Many of these more advanced stages of periodontal disease are treatable with the newer advances in veterinary dentistry.
Dr Paul Skellenger is the Veterinarian for Veterinarian Care. us and has over 20 years in Veterinarian medicine and experience with dental care and small animals. For additional information you can contact one of our Veterinarians in your area.
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