Periodontal Disease
What is Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the most common dental condition affecting our pets and is a progressive inflammatory disease of the tissues that support the teeth. It begins with the accumulation of plaque on the tooth surface. If not removed, plaque mineralizes into tartar and leads to gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease. At this stage, inflammation is limited to the gums and is still reversible with a professional dental cleaning. However, without intervention, the disease progresses deeper below the gumline, resulting in attachment loss, bone destruction, loose teeth and ultimately severe pain.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
As periodontal disease advances, it is classified into stages based on the severity of tissue damage. Stage 1 involves gingivitis without attachment loss, while Stage 2 (early periodontitis) includes mild loss of supporting structures. Stage 3 (moderate periodontitis) is characterized by significant attachment loss and bone destruction, and Stage 4 (advanced periodontitis) represents severe, irreversible damage that requires tooth extraction. Beyond the mouth, periodontal disease can also contribute to systemic inflammation and has been associated with effects on organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, making early detection and treatment critically important.
Diagnostic Imaging
Accurate staging of periodontal disease requires diagnostic imaging, ideally with a Cone Beam CT (CBCT) study. While some changes may be visible above the gumline, the majority of periodontal destruction occurs below the surface and cannot be properly evaluated without imaging. Dental radiographs or CBCT images allow veterinarians to assess bone loss, root health, and the extent of attachment loss. This information is essential for determining whether a tooth can be treated and preserved or requires extraction. Without diagnostic imaging, periodontal disease cannot be fully staged from Stage 1 through Stage 4, and treatment decisions may be incomplete or inaccurate.
Contact
Address: 774 Maleta Ln, Castle Rock, CO 80108
Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 7 AM to 5 PM
Phone: 720-307-4923