Stage 3: Established Periodontal Disease

Stage 3 periodontal disease is characterized by a 25%–50% loss of a tooth's support.

Gingival recession

Slightly less than 50% bone loss

Treatment Options in Cases of Gingival Recession (Gum Loss)

If a pet owner is willing to administer home care as listed in Stage 1, periodically follow up to monitor plaque control efforts.
If a pet owner is not willing to administer home care, the tooth should be extracted.

X-ray of the lower jaw after tooth extraction

Surgical Treatment for Stage 3 Periodontal Pocket

Apical reposition flap

Stage 3–4 periodontal disease with 10 mm pocket

Parallel incisions for exposure

Curette used to remove root calculus

Gum tissues sutured lower to remove the pocket

Stage 3 Palatal Defect Surgical Treatment

Before surgery, a periodontal probe is placed on the inside surface of the left upper canine. Surgery should be performed when the probing depth exceeds 4 mm but does not extend to the nasal cavity.

Surgical incisions on either side of tooth

Gingival incision exposing defect

Gingival tissue removed from palatal defect

Bone implant material applied to the cleaned defect before suturing closed

Apply bone implant to decrease pocket depth.