INDICATIONS To remove deposits of plaque, calculus, and debris from teeth Another term, prophylaxis, is often used, but is less accurate, as it implies prevention, which is the case only…

DEFINITION/OVERVIEW Inflammation and infection of some or all of the tooth’s support structures (gingiva, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone); compared with gingivitis (inflammation of the marginal gingiva), periodontitis indicates…

DEFINITION/OVERVIEW In rodents and rabbits, many dental problems are directly related to the continuous growth pattern of incisors and some cheek teeth Elodont: continuously growing and erupting Aradicular: open-rooted tooth…

DEFINITION/OVERVIEW Response to chronic periodontitis seen most commonly in the alveolar bone of the maxillary canine teeth of older cats characterized by thickening or bulging of the alveolar bone (peripheral…

DEFINITION/OVERVIEW American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) Nomenclature: the term “epulis” (epulides) is a general term referring to a gingival mass lesion of any type Classically considered as tumors of nonodontogenic…

DEFINITION/OVERVIEW Focal or multifocal loss of mucosal integrity of the superficial epithelial layers in specific areas of the oral cavity ETIOLOGY/PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Metabolic Diabetes mellitus Hypothyroidism Renal disease: uremia Nutritional Protein-calorie…

DEFINITION/OVERVIEW Pulpitis: inflammation of the pulp in response to stimuli; most commonly used in reference to a tooth discolored (pink, purple to gray) by blunt trauma Reversible: inflammatory changes of…

DEFINITION/OVERVIEW Cats: often confusing term for three distinct syndromes—eosinophilic plaque, eosinophilic granuloma, and indolent ulcer. Grouped primarily according to their clinical similarities, their frequent concurrent (and recurrent) development, and their…

DEFINITION/OVERVIEW Delay, disruption, or lack of normal eruption sequence of teeth at anticipated or appropriate times Embedded: soft tissue covering Operculum: tough fibrous gingival covering that may persist over the…

DEFINITION/OVERVIEW Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) lead to an alteration of the normal function of the masticatory system as the mobility and function of the joint are compromised Genetic,…