AVA Conference Melbourne 2017

Periodontal disease is defined as the inflammation and infection of the periodontium and it is the most common oral pathology diagnosed in the dog with up to 80% of the canine population affected by the age of 2. Periodontal disease is a progressive and debilitating disease that may lead to systemic ramifications and early disease recognition is crucial by clinicians. Performing a thorough oral examination along with intraoral radiographs are important for diagnosing and generating an appropriate treatment planning for individual patient. Clinicians also needs to be aware that each treatment planning should also be based on client’s expectation and patient’s compliance; therefore, client communication and education are essential in every periodontal disease case. This lecture is aimed to discuss the pathogenesis of periodontal disease along with the available treatment and management options such as professional dental prophylaxis, perioceutical treatment, bone grafts, root planing, and periodontal surgery. It also includes the science behind oral home care products that will aid in maintaining optimal oral health in canine patients.