Periodontal Surgery

UNMATCHED EXPERTISE

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is the response from your immune system to the accumulation of plaque on the tooth surfaces. Plaque is a mixture of food particles, saliva and bacteria. This material attaches to the surface of the teeth and needs to be removed mechanically (e.g. brushing of the teeth and chewing). If it is not removed, it will mineralise to form calculus (tartar) which cannot be removed with a toothbrush. Calculus is not periodontal disease on its own, but is rather a ‘red flag’ for the existence of periodontal disease. It is the bacteria in plaque that triggers an immune response leading to tissue damage.

Similar to us, cats and dogs continuously accumulate dental plaque and calculus and can eventually develop gingivitis. The gums become inflamed and bleed easily. After prolonged periods of untreated gingivitis, the oral barrier breaks down and the deeper supporting tissues of the teeth such as bone and periodontal ligament are damaged and even destroyed (periodontitis). Gingivitis can be noted during an oral examination however the diagnosis of the presence, severity and extent of periodontitis requires dental radiographs and periodontal probing under anaesthesia.

If teeth with end-stage periodontitis are not treated in time, the bone destruction can extend beyond the tooth roots into surrounding structures. Periodontitis can extend into the nasal cavity causing sneezing when material from the mouth enters the nose, or into the eye socket, causing visible swelling around or behind the eye. It can even weaken the mandibular bone to the point of causing a pathological jaw fracture. This is most common in older small breed dogs. The end-stage of this disease is tooth loss, however, the disease has caused problems for a pet well before this.

Periodontal disease can be painful. However, it is rare that our pets will show obvious signs of oral discomfort. Once the condition is treated, many owners report that their pet is happier and more playful and even less fussy with food.

In addition to pain, bacterial toxins and inflammatory products from our pet’s own immune systems are released into the bloodstream and can damage the heart, liver and kidneys.