Topic 7: Disease Pathology using Radiology

Question 1

What are 7 common pathologies that can be diagnosed by dental radiology

Answer 1

1- FORL (most common in cats)
2- Alveolar expansion (cats)
3- Caries (dogs)
4- Root abnormalities: extra roots, root ankylosis
5- Missing tooth
6- Dentigerous cyst
7- Traumatic lesions: dental and/or bony fractures or dislocation

Question 2

when do feline oral resorptive lesions start

Answer 2

around 4-6 years of age. common in 20-75% of mature cats

Question 3

where is the location of the FORL

Answer 3

apparent at the labial or buccal surface near the neck

Question 4

describe FORL

Answer 4

Resorption →root surface → erode gingival attachment → expose to bacteria → painful inflammation of surrounding tissue
The first clinical manifestation of FORL is a late stage lesion

Question 5

what generaly covers FORL

Answer 5

gingiva which may or may not be inflammed

Question 6

what teeth are generally affected by FORL

Answer 6

107, 207, 307, 407, 108, 208, 309, 409

Question 7

what are the clinical signs of FORL

Answer 7

Clinical signs: hypersalivation, head shaking, sneezing, anorexia, oral bleeding, or have difficulty with prehension
When dentine exposed, or affects pulp = painful
…but in most cases: NO CLINICAL SIGNS despite the pain!

Question 8

what is the cause of alveolar bone expansion

Answer 8

severe periodontal disease over canines

Question 9

where can alveolar bone expansion happen

Answer 9

around one r both maxillary and/or mandibular canines.

Question 10

what is the radiographic appearance of alveolar bone expansion

Answer 10

Radiographic appearance: bone loss around the root and expansile alveolar bone growth

Question 11

how do you treat alveolar bone expansion

Answer 11

tooth extraction

Question 12

what species gets caries

Answer 12

dogs

Question 13

where are caries found

Answer 13

in pre-molars and molars where occlusal molars come in contact
Flat chewing surface, with deep pits and fissures: more susceptible to food accumulation

Question 14

what is a carie

Answer 14

plaque-induced destruction of the enamel of a tooth

Question 15

what are periodontal disease are caries both caused by

Answer 15

plaque

Question 16

how do plaque bacteria cause caries

Answer 16

Plaque bacteria use sugars (CHO) as energy, producing acidic fermentation products which demineralize enamel

Question 17

what dental instrument is used to detect softened discoloured enamel pits and fissures?

Answer 17

the explorer

Question 18

describe a carie

Answer 18

Large defects have food and debris packed within them
Once enamel is gone, process extends to dentine
Can reach pulp cavity, causing periapical abcesses and pulpitis

Question 19

what is root ankylosing due to

Answer 19

severe periodontitis

Question 20

what is anondontia

Answer 20

absence of all teeth

Question 21

what is oligodontia

Answer 21

absence of many but not all teeth

Question 22

what is hypodontia

Answer 22

absence of a few teeth

Question 23

what are the most commonly missing teeth

Answer 23

incisor

Question 24

what are the reasons for missing teeth

Answer 24

Common
Need rads to see if missing
Absence can be inherited
Primary teeth give rise to permanent tooth bud
Reason to know the deciduous formula, if missing, will miss adult tooth

Question 25

what happens if a tooth is present and unerupted

Answer 25

there is increased risk of abscess formation

Question 26

describe a dentigenous cyst

Answer 26

The follicle of unerupted teeth undergoes cystic transformation, causing dentigerous cysts with large, resorption of surrounding alveolar bone.
Either monitor radiographically, or extract prophylactically