Oral malodor measurements on a tooth surface of dogs with gingivitis.

OBJECTIVE: To measure production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) responsible for halitosis on the crown surface of the maxillary fourth premolar of dogs with gingivitis. ANIMALS: 28 dogs owned by veterinary students who complained that their dogs had halitosis. PROCEDURE: Clinical dental indices (plaque index, calculus index, and gingival index) were measured on the most diseased maxillary fourth premolar tooth. Production of VSC from the crown surface of the tooth was recorded by use of a portable sulfide monitor. Measurements were performed several times on each dog over a 2-month period, resulting in 98 series of measurements. RESULTS: Dogs with heavy amounts of plaque or calculus (plaque and calculus indices of 2 or 3) had significantly higher VSC readings than did dogs with no visible plaque and calculus accumulation. Significant (P = 0.0008) correlation was found between VSC measurements and plaque index, and significant correlations were found between VSC measurements and calculus index (P = 0.00118) and gingival index (P = 0.00475). CONCLUSION: VSC production recorded on the crown of maxillary fourth premolar teeth of dogs with gingivitis is significantly correlated with the amount of plaque and calculus accumulation and with severity of gingivitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: VSC measurements on tooth surfaces could be used as a site-specific method to assess, in conjunction with clinical dental variables, effectiveness of dental hygiene products.

Apical root canal anatomy of canine teeth in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the apical anatomy of canine teeth in cats. SAMPLE POPULATION: 70 permanent canine teeth of cats. PROCEDURE: The teeth were extracted, cleaned, and radiographed, and the root canals were stained with India ink, then cleared in methyl salicylate. The apical root canal anatomy was studied by examining dental radiographs and microscopic measurements performed on the cleared specimens. RESULTS: Apical root canal anatomy in cats has the same "sprinkler-rose" appearance as seen in dogs. The mean length of the radiodense apex on radiographs was 2.8 +/- 1.2 mm. The mean lengths of the apical ramifications were 1.9 +/- 0.4 and 1.6 +/- 0.4 mm for upper and lower canine teeth, respectively; mean numbers of apical ramifications were 13 +/- 6 and 12 +/- 5, respectively; and mean ratios (length of ramifications/length of root) were 0.16 +/- 0.03 and 0.15 +/- 0.04, respectively. There was significant (P < 0.05) difference in the length of apical ramifications between upper and lower canine teeth and significant (P < 0.05) positive correlation between the length of the root and the length of apical ramifications for all canine teeth. CONCLUSION: Primary apical foramen is not present in mature canine teeth of cats. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There is little risk of apical penetration by files during endodontic therapy of canine teeth of cats; however, the multiple foramina require that apical instrumentation is thorough to prevent soft tissue remnants causing failure of the procedure.

The Angle classification system of malocclusion: is it appropriate for use in veterinary dentistry?

Classifications of malocclusions in dogs have superficially followed the Angle's system. Since teeth anatomy and occlusal relationships are not the same for dogs as for humans, the use of the Angle's system can be misinterpreted. The proposal for a system for classification of malocclusions specific to the dog is presented with a discussion of the Angle's classification of malocclusions.

Root canal obturation using Thermafil endodontic obturators in dog teeth.

The technique of using Thermafil endodontic obturators to fill root canals in dog teeth is discussed in detail. Stainless steel carriers coated with gutta-percha were heated and inserted in instrumented canals of dog teeth. The ease of the technique is discussed and obturation efficacy is evaluated. No perfect apical seal was achieved.

Natural development of periodontal disease in the dog: a review of clinical, anatomical and histological features.

Periodontal disease occurs naturally in a wide range of species from rodents to humans. Clinical studies document the development of periodontal disease. Histopathology reveals the inflammatory response to plaque accumulation. This article presents a review of the clinical and histopathological features of periodontal disease in the dog.

Apical root canal anatomy in the dog.

240 permanent teeth from 8 different dogs aged 1, 3, 8, 10, 15 years, were used for an anatomic study. The teeth were cleaned, their root canal system was stained with dye, then the teeth were decalcified and cleared to determine the root canal anatomy. The apical root canal anatomy in dogs can be described as a "sprinkler-rose" anatomy: at the tip of the pulpal canal, the canal is divided in numerous narrow channels radiating peripherally through the dentin and the cementum and ending in numerous apical foramina on the cementum surface. This architecture constitutes a very complex apical delta.

Craniofacial development and growth in the dog.

Numerous types of veterinary orthodontic treatments are reported in papers and during meetings, however little is generally known concerning craniofacial growth in dogs. Most statements in veterinary dental publications are drawn from human-oriented studies. This makes decision making in veterinary orthodontics difficult. The purpose of this paper is to review studies of craniofacial growth performed in dogs.

Diagnostic approach to malocclusions in dogs.

Malocclusions may be associated with any of the cranial shapes recognized in dogs. Orthodontic treatments for malocclusions are frequently reported. However, these reports often lack a diagnostic plan and use confusing terminologies. The purpose of this paper is to describe, using standardized terms, a diagnostic approach to the most common malocclusions found in dogs.

Spirochetes in periodontal disease in the dog: a review.

The importance and the role of spirochetes in periodontal disease is controversial since the means to study these particular bacteria are limited. Because of specific requirements for growth, spirochetes are difficult to culture. Spirochetes could have profound effects on the perpetuation of periodontal disease. A review of the literature related to spirochetes is described.

Anaerobes in periodontal disease in the dog: a review.

As anaerobic sampling and culture techniques improved, the documented prevalence of anaerobic bacteria in periodontal disease has increased. The anaerobic bacteria have become more well-known in humans and consequently in dogs, since this species is a major model in periodontal studies. A review of the literature related to anaerobic flora is described.

Aerobes in periodontal disease in the dog: a review.

Periodontal disease has been shown to be caused by bacteria. Periodontal inflammation results as the plaque bacteria change from a predominantly non-motile, Gram-positive, aerobic coccoid microbiotal flora to a more motile, Gram-negative, anaerobic, rod-shaped flora. A review of the literature related to aerobic flora is included. The important effects of aerobic flora as well as their importance in contributing to periodontal disease development is reported.