Hometown Animal Hospital
Canine Periodontal Disease
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is the infection and inflammation of the tooth attachment apparatus (periodontal ligament and jaw bone), caused by toxins that are released from bacteria. It begins when bacteria form on teeth in a substance called plaque. If plaque is not removed, the plaque is calcified by the minerals in saliva to become calculus (or tartar) . Once the plaque gets under the gum, it starts causing inflammation (“gingivitis”). Gingivitis is the initial, reversible form of periodontal disease.
How can I prevent it?
Gingivitis can be painful to your dog and may lead to premature tooth loss. If this inflammation is not controlled, the bacteria within the gingiva change to a more virulent type which creates more severe inflammation that leads to irreversible periodontitis. Periodontitis may not be painful to your dog, so owner and dog is not aware of the disease until it is too late.
The best way to prevent periodontal disease in your dog is through the use of appropriate procedures and/or techniques to prevent dental and oral disease. Caring for your dog’s teeth and gums is vital to the health of your dog to remove the plaque and tarter that accumulates each day. Please contact our veterinarians to tailor a program for your pet.
Stage 1
In stage 1 periodontal disease (also called "gingivitis"), the gums are inflamed but there is no evidence of support loss. Treatment involves plaque and calculus removal under general anesthesia plus daily plaque prevention. Follow up recommendations include twice a year dental examinations
Stage 1
In stage 1 periodontal disease (also called "gingivitis"), the gums are inflamed but there is no evidence of support loss. Treatment involves plaque and calculus removal under general anesthesia plus daily plaque prevention. Follow up recommendations include twice a year dental examinations
Stage 2
In stage 2 periodontal disease ("early periodontitis"), the tooth begins to lose its support. Treatment involves removal of plaque and calculus, specific periodontal therapy based on examination findings as well as daily plaque prevention.
Stage 3
In stage 3 moderate periodontal disease, painful loss of tooth support has progressed to the point that either advanced periodontal procedures or extraction is needed.
Stage 4
In stage 4 advanced periodontal disease, greater than half of the tooth's support is lost. Extraction is the treatment of choice to eliminate pain and inflammation.
Furcation Involvement
Furcation involvement is loss of the bone supporting the area where the tooth roots meet. Once furcation involvement is diagnosed, extraction is the treatment of choice.
Furcation Exposure
Moderate and advanced periodontal disease can result in loss of the bone support where the roots of multirooted teeth meet. Once Furcation exposure has occurred, tooth extraction is the treatment of choice.
Mucogingival Defects
Significant loss of gingival tissue over the root often occurs from advanced periodontal disease. Treatment options include extraction or advanced periodontal surgical procedures aimed to saving the tooth.
Attachment Loss
Healthy gum tissues attach the tooth to jaw bone. In cases of advanced periodontal disease there is loss of attachment. If left to progress the tooth will eventually become mobile due to this support loss.
Gingival Recession
Gingival recession occurs secondary to periodontal disease exposing the tooth root(s). If the tooth is also mobile, extraction is the treatment of choice.
