In veterinary dentistry a periodontal probe & dental radiographs are important tools used to evaluate periodontal health. A probe is marked in millimeter gradations & gently inserted in the space between the gingival margin & tooth. The probe will stop where the gingiva attaches to the tooth or at the bone, if the attachment is gone.
However, when it comes to grading periodontal disease in pets they do have to be put under a general anesthetic in order to proceed with radiographs & probing.
85% of pets have periodontal disease by 3 years of age!
Periodontal disease is staged by the degree of periodontium affected as measured with the probe & dental radiographs. The higher the stage of periodontal disease the more jaw bone loss there is around the tooth.
Stage 1
Gingivitis occurs when there is inflammation only without loss of the tooth’s support.
Stage 2
Early periodontitis is diagnosed when there is less than 25% support
Stage 3
Moderate periodontitis is diagnosed when 25-50% support loss occurs
Stage 4
Advanced periodontitis is greater than 50% support loss
