Stage 1: Gingivitis
The first stage of periodontal disease, known as gingivitis, is initiated by a buildup of plaque around your pet's teeth and gums after they eat. This accumulation of plaque leads to redness and swelling, which may be difficult to notice.
Stage 1 periodontal disease with a before and after of the tooth crowns. Radiographs also reveal normal tooth root anatomy.
Stage 1 Treatment Options
With our comprehensive dental care services, including (routine) professional teeth cleanings and scaling as well as daily at home brushing between appointments, gingivitis can be reversed. (This will keep your pet comfortable and minimize risks as they age)
Stage 2: Early Periodontitis
If left untreated the buildup of plaque on your pet's teeth can turn into tartar. This may cause your pet's gums to recede and create pockets that may gather additional bacteria and worsen the infection and inflammation.
Early periodontal disease with <25% attachment loss.
Stage 2 Treatment Options
In addition to a professional teeth cleanings and scaling, we will perform scaling below the gumline to help treat any pockets that may have formed.
Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis
When the infection and inflammation progresses further into the gums removing protective bone, your pet will develop moderate periodontitis. Their teeth may become loose exposing nerves resulting in pain. These pets will continue to eat routinely in order to survive (regardless of oral discomfort and pain).
Established periodontal disease with 25–50% attachment loss.
Normal photos for comparison.
Stage 3 Treatment Options
Periodontal therapy* including periodontal surgery will ONLY be successful if clients can commit to consistently administering home dental care. Extractions are indicated if patient compliance is low.
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis
By stage 4, your pet’s gums, teeth and bones have likely suffered severe damage and may be at risk of falling out. The infection can also easily spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and affect vital organs such as your pet’s heart, liver or kidney.
Advanced periodontal disease with >50% attachment loss.
X-ray of normal teeth for comparison.
Stage 4 Treatment Options
Our team will examine and evaluate your pet’s mouth and oral health, and may recommend surgical extraction if the infection has progressed enough. We will also provide pain medication to help keep your pet comfortable during surgery. While an extraction may sound serious, (our patients feel far more comfortable once the source of pain is removed,). Our pets do not miss having diseased painful teeth!