Histological Evaluation of the Pulp in Teeth from Dogs with Naturally Occurring Periodontal Disease

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the pulp of dog teeth affected by advanced periodontal disease. Histological examination was done on demineralized teeth extracted during clinical treatment of mature, client owned small and medium-size breed dogs with either good periodontal health or with advanced naturally occurring periodontal disease. Routinely stained sections from 5 clinically normal teeth and 22 teeth with advanced periodontitis from dogs between 5 and 12-years of age were examined using light microscopy. The pulp cavities of most teeth were narrow with low cellularity and some fibrosis of the pulp. Findings specific to periodontally affected teeth included acute and chronic pulpitis, vascular congestion, and pulp necrosis. A glomus body was identified in the pulp of one tooth and areas of poorly mineralized cementum were seen in both normal and diseased teeth. Age related changes in dog teeth appear similar to those reported for man and the rat. In addition to age related changes, the pulp of dog teeth with advanced periodontal disease were frequently inflamed or necrotic. This may reflect the advanced periodontitis affecting these teeth or a mechanical effect related to excessive tooth mobility. Further study is required to determine the etiology and significance of these findings and to investigate pulp status in less severely diseased teeth.

Evaluation of Effect of Moderate to Severe Chronic Periodontitis on Pulp of Teeth: A Histopathological Study

“…Teeth affected with advanced periodontitis and results specific to periodontally affected teeth have revealed acute and chronic pulpitis, vascular congestion, and pulp necrosis. 12 Various studies have confirmed the observations of the study, however many other studies have reported differing results. In an extensive study conducted by Mazur and Massler, it was observed that severity or presence of periodontal disease had no effect on the pulp, with similar mild to severe pulp histologic changes being observed in both healthy control and periodontally affected teeth.…”

The effect of chronic periodontitis on dental pulp: A clinical and histopathological study

“…[15] Nemec et al showed that findings related to periodontally affected teeth included acute and chronic pulpitis, vascular congestion and pulp necrosis. [16] In a contradictory to this study and several studies, many other studies have reported conflicting results. In a study by Mazur and Massler, they disagree that a periodontal disease has any effect on the pulp.…”

Influence of moderate to severe chronic periodontitis on dental pulp

“…(2007) also showed the advanced periodontitis affecting teeth and findings specific to periodontally affected teeth included acute and chronic pulpitis, vascular congestion, and pulp necrosis. [19]…”