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

Abstract

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.

Bioactive glass in the treatment of an infrabony defect in a dog

“…In a report of two periodontal surgery cases by Angel, bioactive glass was used to fill the cleaned defects in one of the cases. 20 In this case, doxycycline hyclate gel was placed in the gingival sulcus over the bioactive glass to create a coronal barrier, thus preventing the downgrowth of junctional epithelium. Felipe et al investigated the regenerative potential of two different particle sizes of bioactive glass in experimentally created two-wall infrabony defects in dogs.…”

“…Doxycycline hyclate gel hardens and acts as a barrier membrane, preventing the apical migration of long junctional epithelium into the periodontal defect. In a report of two periodontal surgery cases by Angel, bioactive glass was used to fill the cleaned defects in one of the cases 20 . In this case, doxycycline hyclate gel was placed in the gingival sulcus over the bioactive glass to create a coronal barrier, thus preventing the downgrowth of junctional epithelium.…”