QUARTERLY BEAT / APRIL 2025
S uper - eruption (SE) Not to be confused with gingival recession, super-eruption is a pathology where the tooth is being pushed out in cats with inflammation from periodontal or endodontic disease. It may be bilateral, or a unilateral affected tooth can be compared to the contralateral tooth. S upernumerary (SN) An abnormal increase in the number of teeth or tooth structure is referred to as supernumerary, a tooth with an additional root, an additional tooth in a normal configuration in an arch, or an additional tooth in an abnormal location. They can be documented as duplicates of an anatomically normal tooth. For example, the presence of a right maxillary first premolar (105) and an additional tooth of similar conformation can be charted as 105 and SN 105. An illustration of the additional tooth in a diagram contributes to thorough recordkeeping. D raining T ract (DT) A draining tract can occur inside or outside the mouth. Inside the mouth, they can be very subtle near the location of the apex of a tooth, with or without bleeding or purulent discharge. F istula /F istulae Fistulation (an abnormal path into or through a structure) occurs in several common locations. On the palatal aspect of the maxillary canines, a fistula leading into the rostral nasal cavity is called an oronasal fistula (ONF). Similarly, a fistula in the maxilla's caudal aspect that communicates with the sinus cavity is called an oroantral fistula (OAF). An orofacial fistula (OFF) communicates from a tooth root to the outside of the mouth with a typical presentation of a draining tract below the eye. O ral M asses (OM) Abnormal tissue of any kind should be measured and documented. With or without pigmentation and attachment, any type of abnormal gingival or mucosal tissue may be considered a mass. C hewing L esions (CL) Chronic trauma to the mucosa is common in patients with malocclusion or excessive tissue in the cheeks or under the tongue. This tissue is not usually ulcerated but cannot be definitively diagnosed without a biopsy. Measure and document regardless of if a biopsy is collected. G ingival E nlargement (GE) Do not refer to a gingival mass as an “epulis” or excessive gum tissue as hyperplasia, as is common in general practice. Those are histopathological diagnoses and terms that cannot be used without a biopsy. Measure the abnormality in millimeters and document it on a diagram. T ooth R esorption (TR) There are 3 types and 5 stages of tooth resorption that can occur in both dogs and cats. During oral exams, it can be documented as TR if a lesion is found above or at the gumline level. The type is assessed via radiographic interpretation and can be further noted in the doctor’s assessment and treatment plan. Touching these lesions with an explorer instrument can elicit chattering even under anesthesia.
F eline C hronic G ingivostomatitis (FCGS) There are several facets to the diagnosis of FCGS, none of which are fully assessed by the oral exam alone. Documenting caudal inflammation (the back of the mouth) and proliferative (extra) tissue is the extent of what is documented outside of the SOAP. C aries (CA) Caries are the equivalent of “cavities” in humans. They affect the crown and often cause discomfort or pain if they advance deep into the dentin. Using the explorer tip helps detect cavities by identifying areas that lack enamel. This is common on the occlusal surface of the maxillary molars. A systematic approach to dental exams combined with accurate documentation makes a world of difference in managing oral health issues in animals. By following these steps, utilizing tools like the AVDC nomenclature and modified Triadan system, and recognizing key pathologies, veterinary teams can catch problems early and take action before they progress. With strong teamwork and attention to detail, the "find it and fix it" mindset ensures pets get the care they need to live healthier, more comfortable lives.
REFERENCES
1. AVDC® Nomenclature. American
Veterinary Dental College, 3 Apr. 2024, avdc.org/avdc-nomenclature/. 2. Hale FA. Localized intrinsic staining of teeth due to pulpitis and pulp necrosis in dogs. J Vet Dent. 2001;18(1):14-20. 3. Holmstrom, S. E. (2013). Veterinary dentistry: A team approach. Elsevier/ Mosby. 4. Niemiec, B. A. (2012). Veterinary Periodontology. John Wiley & Sons. 5. Niemiec, B. A. (2013). Small animal dental,
Oral & Maxillofacial Disease: A Color Handbook. Manson Publishing/The Veterinary Press; CRC Press.
HIGHLIGHTS
WEBINAR
16
VETGIRL BEAT EMAGAZINE | VETGIRLONTHERUN.COM
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker