Periodontal Treatment

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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Advanced Veterinary Dental Services

A comprehensive range of dental and oral surgery treatments.

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Complex Anaesthesia

We assess each patient individually, considering their health history, age and any concurrent medical conditions, to tailor the anaesthetic approach to their specific needs.

Surgical Extractions

Removing complex teeth safely and with minimal impact.

Vital Pulpotomy

A vital pulpotomy is a time-sensitive procedure used to preserve the life of a tooth when the pulp becomes exposed due to trauma or dental treatment.

Jaw Fractures

Jaw fractures in pets require precise treatment to restore both structure and function, with a strong focus on proper bite alignment.

Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal treatment goes beyond routine dental care to address the deeper damage caused by advanced gum disease.

Oral Surgery

Pet oral surgery can help treat dental problems, injuries, and other conditions affecting your pet’s mouth. Learn about the available procedures and how they can improve your pet’s comfort and oral health.

Dental and Oral Imaging

Dental and oral imaging helps veterinarians identify dental problems that may not be visible during a routine examination. Learn how these imaging techniques support accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for your pet.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy can help save a damaged or infected tooth while relieving pain in pets. Learn how this dental procedure works and how it can help preserve your pet’s natural teeth and oral health.

Gingivoplasty

This procedure involves reshaping gum tissue to guide the eruption of canine teeth into a correct position, preventing traumatic occlusion and avoiding more invasive treatments.

Crown Height Reduction

Reducing the height of misaligned canine teeth and protecting the exposed pulp with a filling helps prevent chronic pain, preserve jaw structure and avoid extraction.

Inclined Plane – Crown Extensions

Orthodontic appliances like inclined planes or crown extensions can reposition misaligned canine teeth, preventing trauma and preserving tooth function without altering their shape.

Dog Braces (Orthodontics)

To address mesioverted  (‘lanced’ maxillary canine teeth) and manage linguoversion when the maxillary diastema (the space between the third incisor and canine teeth) is too narrow.

Restorations

Restorative dentistry repairs damaged teeth in pets, often using crowns, veneers and fillings. These procedures restore dental structure and function, ensuring long-term oral health.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Thorough cleaning and examination under anesthesia remove plaque and calculus, preventing periodontal disease and ensuring long-term oral health in pets.

Mandibulectomies and Maxillectomies

These surgeries involve partial or complete removal of the jaw to treat malignant oral tumours. Treatment options vary and may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.

Crown Amputation for Tooth Resorption

This procedure, often used for tooth resorption, involves removing the tooth crown while leaving the resorbing root remnant intact. It’s less invasive and used in cases where traditional extraction is no longer possible. Regular follow-up is recommended.