Pet Periodontal Treatment | Advanced Animal Dentistry

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease affects around 85% of dogs and 80% of cats. While early-stage gingivitis is managed with dental prophylaxis, periodontitis causes severe damage to the gingiva, periodontal ligament and bone.

Treating periodontitis requires more than a standard scale and polish, as these methods cannot regenerate lost tissues, especially bone.

Periodontitis leads to significant tissue destruction and bone loss. This condition not only risks tooth loss but also weakens the jaws.

Although soft tissue may partially regrow, stimulating the periodontal ligament is difficult. The slow process of bone regrowth often allows soft tissue to invade the area first, complicating effective healing.

“Periodontal treatment focuses on restoring damaged tissues and supporting long-term oral stability.”

Treatment procedures

Deep Pocket Cleaning targets deep pockets around affected teeth that harbour plaque and bacteria. The procedure involves curettage to clean these pockets and improve the environment, which can encourage tissue reattachment.

Gum Flap Surgery addresses exposed tooth roots by creating a flap of gingival tissue from adjacent areas or using a gingival graft from another mouth location to enhance coverage.

Bone Grafting combats bone destruction caused by advanced periodontitis. This technique uses grafts and membranes to stimulate bone growth and regeneration in affected areas.

Dentists implant membranes to prevent soft tissue from invading the grafting material, which supports effective bone regeneration.

“Advanced procedures are designed to address both the cause and the impact of periodontal disease.”

Expectations & outcomes

Advanced periodontal procedures focus on regenerating the tissues that cover the tooth roots, striving to restore as close to a normal condition as possible.

Each specialist intervention is tailored to specific cases to promote optimal healing and restoration of periodontal tissues.

We always aim to address the underlying cause of periodontal issues, such as plaque accumulation and bone loss to prevent further damage and enhance the overall health of the gums and surrounding structures.

This comprehensive approach ensures long-term periodontal stability and function, resulting in a healthier, happier more resilient oral environment for each pet.

FAQs

Why does periodontal disease require more than standard dental cleaning or scale and polish?

A scale and polish can manage early gingivitis, but does not address the deeper damage caused by periodontitis. This condition involves loss of bone and supporting structures, which cannot be restored through cleaning alone. More advanced procedures are needed to treat the underlying tissue damage.

What happens if periodontal disease progresses untreated?

As periodontal disease advances, it can lead to significant destruction of the gums, ligament and bone supporting the tooth. This increases the risk of tooth loss and can weaken the jaw structure over time. The condition can also become more complex to manage as tissue damage progresses.

What is deep pocket cleaning and when is it used?

Deep pocket cleaning targets areas around the tooth where plaque and bacteria collect below the gumline. The procedure involves removing infected tissue and cleaning these pockets to improve the environment for healing. In some cases, this can support reattachment of surrounding tissues.

How does gum flap surgery help treat periodontal disease?

Gum flap surgery is used when tooth roots are exposed due to gum recession or tissue damage. A section of gum tissue is repositioned or grafted to cover the affected area and improve protection. This approach helps restore coverage and supports the health of the surrounding structures.

Can bone loss from periodontitis be reversed?

Bone loss cannot be reversed with standard cleaning, but certain procedures aim to support regeneration. Bone grafting techniques use specialised materials and membranes to encourage new bone growth while limiting soft tissue interference. Results can vary, and treatment is tailored to each individual case.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is common in pets and can lead to significant damage to the gums, ligaments and bone, affecting overall animal oral health if left untreated.

Beyond Standard Cleaning

Advanced periodontitis cannot be resolved with a scale and polish alone, as these do not restore lost bone or supporting structures within the tooth.

Targeted Surgical Treatments

Procedures such as deep pocket cleaning, gum flap surgery and bone grafting are used to manage damage and support tissue repair in affected areas.

Focus on Long-Term Stability

Treatment is tailored to each case, aiming to address underlying causes like plaque and bone loss to support ongoing oral health and function.

Next steps

For Pet Owners

Are you concerned about your pet’s dental health? Call 1300 866 848 or fill out the contact form. We’ll coordinate with your primary vet to ensure the best outcome.

For Vets & Nurses

We’re here to help. If you’d like to refer a patient, please call us at 1300 866 848 , complete the referral form or email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

For advice and treatment guidance, email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

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