Dental Formulae And Tooth Eruption Times

Question 1

What is the adult dental formula for a dog?

Answer 1

I 3/3 C 1/1 PM 4/4 M 2/3

Question 2

What is the adult dental formula for a cat?

Answer 2

I 3/3 C 1/1 PM 3/2 M 1/1

Question 3

What teeth are absent in the cat?

Answer 3

1st maxillary PM - 105, 205

1st and 2nd mandibular PM - 305, 405, 306, 405

Question 4

What time should a kittens adult teeth have erupted by?

Answer 4

Incisors 4m
Canines 5m
Premolars 5m
Molars 6m

Question 5

What time should a puppies adult teeth have erupted by?

Answer 5

Incisors 5m
Canines 6m
Premolars 6m
Molars 7m

Question 6

What periodontal probing depth is acceptable in dogs?

Answer 6

1-3mm

Question 7

What periodontal probing depth is acceptable in cats?

Answer 7

0.5-1mm

Question 8

What factors should you assess and record on your dental chart?

Answer 8

Calculus score 
Gingivitis index
Periodontal probing depth
Gingival recession
Periodontal index 
Furcation exposure
Tooth mobility

Question 9

Describe the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

Answer 9

Plaque formation occurs (gram -ve bacteria form biofilm on teeth)
Plaque leads to gingivitis (reversible at this stage)
Gingivitis progresses to periodontitis
= inflammation and destruction of the periodontal ligament
* irreversible
Leads to enlargement of the gingival sulcus and gingival recession
Sub gingival proliferation of bacteria - further plaque formation
Further attachment loss
Tooth loss

Question 10

List some risk factors for the development of periodontitis.

Answer 10

Brachycephalics 
Grehyhounds, schnauzer, Maltese
Immunodeficiency (feline retroviruses and calcivirus)
Low body mass 
Soft food diet

Question 11

What are the features of normal occlusion?

Answer 11

Scissor bites
Canines interdigitate
Premolars interdigitate

Question 12

What can cause malocclusion?

Answer 12

Skeletal abnormalities
Brachygnathism - over bite / over shot
Prognathism - mandible is too long, under bite / under shot
Dental defects
Soft tissue trauma
Abnormal tooth contact

Question 13

Describe stage 1 periodontal disease.

Answer 13

Plaque and calculus deposited on the teeth
Marginal gingivitis but no attachment loss
REVERSIBLE by brushing plaque away

Question 14

Describe stage 2 periodontal disease

Answer 14

Sulcus deepened by 25%
Plaque and calculus beginning to extend down the root
Periodontal pocket forms

Question 15

Describe stage 3 periodontal disease

Answer 15

Sulcus is deepened by 25-50%

Deepening pocket

Question 16

Describe stage 4 periodontal disease

Answer 16

Sulcus is deepened over 50%

Severe inflammation

Question 17

What are the clinical signs of periodontitis?

Answer 17

Halitosis 
Blood tinged saliva
Variable plaque / calculus
Inflamed / bleeding gingiva
Pus in periodontal socket
Furcation exposure
Tooth mobility 
Oral pain

Question 18

How can you diagnose periodontitis?

Answer 18

Gingivitis index on dental examination
Attachment loss assessed by periodontal index and mobility
Radiography

Question 19

How should you treat periodontitis?

Answer 19

Rule out underlying disease - eg: CKD
Dental examination and treatment under GA
Ongoing care - tooth brushing, hard food diet

Question 20

What order should you perform charting and treatment during a dental procedure in a case of periodontitis?

Answer 20

1. Record calculus deposits and calculus score
2. Initial scale to remove gross calculus to aid assessment
3. Dental charting
   
   • gingivitis index, periodontal probing, gingival recession,
     periodontitis index, furcation exposure, tooth mobility
4. Radiography
5. Supra gingival scaling
6. Sub gingival scaling up to 2mm depth
7. Exploration and sub gingival scaling of pockets with hand curette
8. Removing any residual calculus
9. Tooth extractions
10. Polish .
11. Sub gingival lavage
12. Lavage mouth with chlorhexidine

Question 21

What home management can you recommend to an owner?

Without this a scale and polish will only last a couple of weeks

Answer 21

Tooth brushing q 48h 
Close mouth 
Brush around the gum line
Caudal to rostral teeth 
Do not stop if bleeding due to gingivitis - will improve 

Chlorhexidine mouth wash (vet only)
Dental diet
Kongs