Periodontal Therapy in Dogs Using Bone Augmentation Products Marketed for Veterinary Use.

Periodontal disease is extremely common in companion animal practice. Patients presenting for a routine oral examination and prophylaxis may be found to have extensive periodontal disease and attachment loss. Vertical bone loss is a known sequela to periodontal disease and commonly involves the distal root of the mandibular first molar. This case report outlines two dogs presenting for oral examination and prophylaxis with general anesthesia. Both patients did not have any clinical symptoms of periodontal disease other than halitosis. Both patients were diagnosed with three-walled vertical bone loss defects of one or both mandibular first molars utilizing dental radiography as well as periodontal probing, measuring, and direct visual inspection. These defects were consistent with periodontal disease index stage 4 (>50% attachment loss). The lesions were treated with appropriate root planing and debridement. Bone augmentation products readily available and marketed for veterinary use were then utilized to fill the defects to promote both the re-establishment of normal alveolar bone height and periodontal ligament reattachment to the treated surface. Follow-up assessment and owner dedication is critical to treatment outcome. Both patients' 6 mo follow-up examinations radiographically indicated bone repair and replacement with visible periodontal ligament space.

Maxillary Canine Tooth Extraction for Class 2 Malocclusion in a Dog.

Malocclusion in dogs is commonly diagnosed in puppies when the primary dentition is present. Interceptive orthodontic treatment may be elected to temporarily resolve painful contact points with the primary dentition. However, the adult dentition must be monitored closely and treated to achieve a lifelong, pain-free occlusion. This case report illustrates interceptive orthodontic treatment of deciduous and permanent dentition to treat a class 2 malocclusion in a dog. Extraction of the permanent maxillary canine tooth was elected to resolve abnormal contact from the mandibular canine in a single anesthetic episode. This treatment option allowed the patient to salvage the structure and function of the mandibular canine, avoid complications associated with mandibular canine extraction, and negate the need for lifelong follow-up of endodontic therapy.