Success of Feather Margin Preparation for Full Metal Prosthodontic Crowns in the Canine Teeth in 84 Pet and Working Dogs (2005-2017).

Medical and dental records of Veterinary Dental Specialties and Oral Surgery were searched to identify dogs that received full metal prosthodontic crowns on canine teeth, using a feather or knife edge preparation between 2005 and 2017. A total of 160 teeth in 84 dogs were included in the study. Current follow-up by telephone, electronic mail, or electronic messaging was conducted, in addition to thorough record review for in-person recheck examinations. Treatment was considered successful if the prosthodontic crown was in place and no further or additional injury to the tooth had occurred at the time of reexamination, owner contact, or patient death. Tooth fracture apical to the prosthodontic crown occurred in 2 (1.25%) cases, bond failure between the tooth and the cement or the cement and the crown occurred in a single case (0.625%), and one metal crown required replacement after 3 years due to wear (0.625%), for an overall failure rate of 2.5%. These results suggest that feather preparation of the margin is at least as, if not more, successful as the more commonly accepted and performed chamfer margin, and thus is a successful, practical and durable option for prosthodontic crown treatment in dog canine teeth.

The mycobiome of the oral cavity in healthy dogs and dogs with periodontal disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mycobiome of the oral cavity in healthy dogs and dogs with various stages of periodontal disease. ANIMALS: 51 dogs without periodontal disease (n = 12) or with mild (10), moderate (19), or severe (10) periodontal disease. PROCEDURES: The whole maxillary arcade of each dog was sampled with a sterile swab, and swabs were submitted for next-generation DNA sequencing targeting the internal transcribed spacer 2 region with a commercial sequencing platform. RESULTS: Fungi were detected in all samples, with a total of 320 fungal species from 135 families detected in the data set. No single fungal species was found in all samples. The 3 most frequently found fungal species were Cladosporium sp (46/51 samples), Malassezia restricta (44/51 samples), and Malassezia arunalokei (36/51 samples). Certain fungi, specifically those of the family Didymellaceae, the family Irpicaceae, and the order Pleosporales, were significantly associated with different stages of periodontitis. Mycobial analysis indicated that Cladosporium sp could be considered part of the core oral cavity mycobiome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results highlighted that fungi are present in the oral cavity of dogs and are characterized by substantial species diversity, with different fungal communities associated with various stages of periodontal disease. The next-generation DNA sequencing used in the present study revealed substantially more species of fungi than previous culture-based studies.

The bacteriome of the oral cavity in healthy dogs and dogs with periodontal disease.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the bacteriome of the oral cavity in healthy dogs and dogs with various stages of periodontal disease. ANIMALS: Dogs without periodontal disease (n = 12) or with mild (10), moderate (19), or severe (10) periodontal disease. PROCEDURES: The maxillary arcade of each dog was sampled with a sterile swab, and swabs were submitted for next-generation DNA sequencing targeting the V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS: 714 bacterial species from 177 families were identified. The 3 most frequently found bacterial species were Actinomyces sp (48/51 samples), Porphyromonas cangingivalis (47/51 samples), and a Campylobacter sp (48/51 samples). The most abundant species were P cangingivalis, Porphyromonas gulae, and an undefined Porphyromonas sp. Porphyromonas cangingivalis and Campylobacter sp were part of the core microbiome shared among the 4 groups, and P gulae, which was significantly enriched in dogs with severe periodontal disease, was part of the core microbiome shared between all groups except dogs without periodontal disease. Christensenellaceae sp, Bacteroidales sp, Family XIII sp, Methanobrevibacter oralis, Peptostreptococcus canis, and Tannerella sp formed a unique core microbiome in dogs with severe periodontal disease. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results highlighted that in dogs, potential pathogens can be common members of the oral cavity bacteriome in the absence of disease, and changes in the relative abundance of certain members of the bacteriome can be associated with severity of periodontal disease. Future studies may aim to determine whether these changes are the cause or result of periodontal disease or the host immune response.

A Retrospective Evaluation of Secondary Wound Healing for Extraction of the Maxillary First Molar in Dogs.

Oral surgery and exodontia can present challenges in veterinary patients, with a particular area of challenge being extraction and closure of the maxillary first molar (M1) in dogs. This retrospective assessment evaluated patients that had the maxillary first molar extracted with placement of a cruciate suture across the alveolus to achieve partial closure and secure the blood clot. Patients that had teeth extracted adjacent to M1 (maxillary fourth premolar [PM4] or second molar [M2]) were excluded from the study. Three groups of patients were assessed: Group A - at the time of extraction of M1, both the maxillary PM4 and M2 were still present in the oral cavity. Group B - at the time of M1extraction only PM4 or M2 was present, but not both. The tissue was completely intact at the location of the missing tooth. Group C - at the time of M1 extraction neither PM4 or M2 were present, but tissue in these locations was intact. In a three-and-a half-year time period (2015-2018), 179 dogs with 213 solitary M1 extractions were performed. Of these 213 extraction sites, 127 sites (60%) had follow up examination within a two-week postoperative period. Of these 127 sites, 126 (99.2%) appeared appropriately healed without complication. The results of this retrospective evaluation demonstrate that primary closure of a maxillary first molar extraction site may not be required for appropriate soft tissue wound healing in canine patients.

The Incidence of Radiographic Lesions of Endodontic Origin Associated With Uncomplicated Crown Fractures of the Maxillary Fourth Premolar in Canine Patients.

Fractured maxillary fourth premolar teeth are commonly diagnosed in canine patients. These fractures are subdivided into uncomplicated and complicated, depending on absence or presence of pulp exposure, respectively. Pulp injury associated with fractures can lead to pulpitis, pulp necrosis, and "lesions of endodontic origin" (LEO) on intraoral radiographs. The incidence of LEO associated with uncomplicated crown fractures (UCFs) of the maxillary fourth premolar in canine patients is currently unknown. We hypothesized that a significant number of UCFs of the maxillary fourth premolar would have LEO evident on intraoral radiographs. The purpose of this article was to identify this incidence and to illustrate the importance of radiographing these teeth. This was a retrospective study of 111 UCFs and 500 nonfractured (control) maxillary fourth premolars in domestic canine patients. The frequency of LEO was 24.3% (27/111) in the UCF population and 0% (0/500) in the control population (P < .0001). These findings are important because UCFs are sometimes ignored or considered insignificant, when in fact a large proportion of them have LEO, indicating periapical pathology. These results suggest that all UCFs be radiographed, even if there are no other abnormalities noted on clinical oral examination.

Semilunar Coronally Advanced Periodontal Flap to Increase Soft Tissue Coverage of a Maxillary Fourth Premolar in a Dog.

A 7-year-old, 31.3 kg spayed female Golden Retriever dog was presented for the treatment of Miller Class I gingival recession at the right maxillary fourth premolar (108). A semilunar coronally advanced periodontal flap was performed at this tooth and created an increase of approximately 3 mm of soft tissue coverage of the tooth. This method may have benefits over traditional periodontal advancement flaps in that there is no need for suturing, can be done more quickly, maintains lateral blood supply to the flap, and likely has decreased risk of surgical site dehiscence. This case shows that the semilunar coronally advanced periodontal flap demonstrates an appropriate method to treat Miller Class I gingival recession in the maxilla.

Feline dental radiography and radiology: A primer.

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Information crucial to the diagnosis and treatment of feline oral diseases can be ascertained using dental radiography and the inclusion of this technology has been shown to be the best way to improve a dental practice. Becoming familar with the techniques required for dental radiology and radiography can, therefore, be greatly beneficial. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: Novices to dental radiography may need some time to adjust and become comfortable with the techniques. If using dental radiographic film, the generally recommended 'E' or 'F' speeds may be frustrating at first, due to their more specific exposure and image development requirements. Although interpreting dental radiographs is similar to interpreting a standard bony radiograph, there are pathologic states that are unique to the oral cavity and several normal anatomic structures that may mimic pathologic changes. Determining which teeth have been imaged also requires a firm knowledge of oral anatomy as well as the architecture of dental films/digital systems. EVIDENCE BASE: This article draws on a range of dental radiography and radiology resources, and the benefit of the author's own experience, to review the basics of taking and interpreting intraoral dental radiographs. A simplified method for positioning the tubehead is explained and classic examples of some common oral pathologies are provided.

Evaluation of extraction sites for evidence of retained tooth roots and periapical pathology.

The objective of this retrospective clinical study was to determine the frequency and pathogenicity of unintentional retained tooth root fragments after extraction of the maxillary fourth premolar (108 and 208) and mandibular first molar teeth (309 and 409) in 74 canine and 42 feline client-owned patients. Radiographs of client-owned animals with historical evidence of extraction of teeth 309 and 409 were reviewed. All patients had dental extraction(s) for clinical reasons, and all extractions were deemed successful by the practitioners. Extraction sites were radiographed to identify tooth root fragments and pathology. Twenty-five canine and 25 feline patients that had extractions utilizing preoperative and postoperative radiography were also included. Sixty-one of 74 canine patients (82.4%; P < 0.0001) and 39 of 42 feline patients (92.8%; P < 0.0001) had evidence of retained tooth root fragments. In total, 100 of 116 cases (86.4%; P < 0.0001) had retained tooth root fragments, and periapical pathology was found in 66 of 116 (56.8%; P = 0.000000743) radiographs, including 39 of 74 canine cases (52.7%; P = 0.00002765) and 27 of 42 feline cases (64.3%; P = 0.01589). The control group had no evidence of retained root fragments. Further veterinary dental training and routine use of pre- and postoperative dental radiology are recommended.

2013 AAHA dental care guidelines for dogs and cats.

Veterinary dentistry is constantly progressing. The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines for the practice of companion animal dentistry for the veterinary profession. Dental care is necessary to provide optimum health and optimize quality of life. Untreated diseases of the oral cavity are painful and can contribute to local and systemic diseases. This article includes guidelines for preventive oral health care, client communication, evaluation, dental cleaning, and treatment. In addition, materials and equipment necessary to perform a medically appropriate procedure are described.

Case based dental radiology.

Dental radiology is quickly becoming integral to the standard of care in veterinary dentistry. This is not only because it is critical for proper patient care, but also because client expectations have increased. Furthermore, providing dental radiographs as a routine service can create significant practice income. This article details numerous conditions that are indications for dental radiographs. As you will see, dental radiographs are often critical for proper diagnosis and treatment. These conditions should not be viewed as unusual; they are present within all of our practices. When you choose not to radiograph these teeth, you leave behind painful pathology. Utilizing the knowledge gained from dental radiographs will both improve patient care and increase acceptance of treatment recommendations. Consequently, this leads to increased numbers of dental procedures performed at your practice.

Oral pathology.

Oral disease is exceedingly common in small animal patients. In addition, there is a very wide variety of pathologies that are encountered within the oral cavity. These conditions often cause significant pain and/or localized and systemic infection; however, the majority of these conditions have little to no obvious clinical signs. Therefore, diagnosis is not typically made until late in the disease course. Knowledge of these diseases will better equip the practitioner to effectively treat them. This article covers the more common forms of oral pathology in the dog and cat, excluding periodontal disease, which is covered in its own chapter. The various pathologies are presented in graphic form, and the etiology, clinical signs, recommended diagnostic tests, and treatment options are discussed. Pathologies that are covered include: persistent deciduous teeth, fractured teeth, intrinsically stained teeth, feline tooth resorption, caries, oral neoplasia, eosinophilic granuloma complex, lymphoplasmacytic gingivostomatitis, enamel hypoplasia, and "missing" teeth.