Pet Vet Hospital And Wellness Center - Spokane Valley Premier Vet

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The Progression of Gingivitis to Periodontal Disease in the Cat and Dog

Mild Gingivitis – Grade 1
Inflammation

Margin of attached gingiva (gum) is inflamed and swollen. Plaque covers teeth. This is already uncomfortable at this stage. Treatment can reverse this condition. These teeth need to be cleaned now, and a regular plan of Homecare implemented, if it is not already in place. Professional handscaling and fluoride treatment may be all that is needed by us at this stage, with continued care by you at home. Just as with humans, proper tooth care and early intervention affects the cost and degree of treatment required.

We prefer that our patients NEVER advance to the next stages. This requires that you, as the caretaker of your pet’s health follow our recommendations closely.

Moderate Gingivitis - Grade 2

Inflammation, edema, gingival bleeding upon probing

DENTAL CLEANING COSTS MORE THE LONGER YOU WAIT!

Entire attached gingiva (gum) is inflamed and swollen. Mouth is very painful although pets rarely complain, and odor begins to be noticeable. Professional treatment and home dental care can prevent this from becoming irreversible. In cats especially, deep and painful cavities at the neckline of the teeth occur quickly under the plaque and tarter. The cost of treatment increases with the severity of the dental disease found under the tartar. Antibiotics and pain medication may be necessary.

Severe Gingivitis - Grade 3

Inflammation, edema, gingival bleeding upon probing, pustular discharge -- slight to moderate bone loss.

Cherry red and bleeding attached gingiva (gum). Gingiva is becoming destroyed by infection and calculus (tartar). Sore mouth affects eating and behavior. Bad breath is present. Beginning of periodontal disease may become irreversible. These mouths are very painful, even though your pet may not complain in ways that we humans can understand. Teeth may need to be extracted.

ORAL SURGERY STAGE -

Costs continue to rise with severity. Higher if multiple extractions. Dental xrays, ECG needed Pain level rises too.

WE SEE THIS TOO OFTEN!

Periodontal Disease - Grade 4

Inflammation, edema, gingival bleeding upon probing, pustular discharge, mobility -- marked bone loss

Chronic bacterial infection is destroying the gum, tooth, and bone. Bacteria are continually spreading throughout the body via the bloodstream and will cause damage to the kidneys, liver, and heart. Bone loss can cause unstable lower jaw and mandibular fractures (jawbone) can occur, especially in small dogs and in cats. Preanesthetic blood panel evaluation, predental antibiotics and pain medication become especially important. Antibiotics to treat bone infection, and pain medication are imperative. Cavities are common in cats. Abscesses are common in. both cats and dogs.

Xrays become necessary before some lower teeth can be extracted. Many teeth may need to be extracted. Dental surgery with tooth sectioning by high speed drill, gingival flaps and sutures are often required, necessitating the patient being under anesthesia for an extended period of time. Cost of treatment can easily exceed $500.-1000.00 . With fractures, this cost is much higher. Cost to your pet in terms of health risk, pain and discomfort is not measurable.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE MAY CAUSE SEVERE BONE LOSS FRACTURE MANDIBULAR BONE

ORAL SURGERY STAGE –

Costs are significant and pain level is severe. Higher costs when multiple extractions, gingival flaps are needed.

Grade 4 periodontal disease requires immediate attention to save your pet from chronic pain and agony as well as prevent possible life threatening disease.

Dr. Keith Clark is a member of the American Veterinary Dental Society

A qualified professional provides complete oral hygiene health, anything less

Is merely, “tooth grooming”. We can help you know the difference.