AVDC Veterinary Dentistry key terms

The soft tissue that attaches the tooth root to the alveolar bone socket, suspending the tooth and absorbing occlusal forces. It also contains proprioceptive nerve endings that guide jaw movement.

The shallow groove between the free gingival margin and the tooth surface. In health it is a potential space of minimal depth; deepening indicates periodontal pocket formation.

A pathologically deepened gingival sulcus caused by destruction of periodontal attachment. It may be suprabony or infrabony depending on whether the base lies coronal to or apical to the alveolar crest.

Destruction of the periodontal ligament and supporting bone that anchors the tooth. Measured clinically as the distance from the cementoenamel junction to the base of the pocket, it distinguishes true periodontal disease from gingival enlargement.

Using a calibrated, blunt probe to measure sulcus or pocket depth and to detect bleeding, suppuration, and attachment loss around each tooth. It is the core diagnostic step in staging periodontal disease.

Inflammation confined to the gingiva, producing redness, swelling, and bleeding on probing without attachment loss. It is reversible with plaque control and is distinguished from periodontitis by the absence of attachment loss.

Inflammation of the periodontium with progressive attachment loss and alveolar bone destruction. It is irreversible, staged by severity, and is the leading cause of tooth loss in dogs and cats.

A structured biofilm of bacteria embedded in a salivary glycoprotein matrix that adheres to tooth surfaces. It is the primary etiologic agent of periodontal disease and calculus formation.

Mineralized plaque that forms a hard deposit on tooth surfaces, especially adjacent to salivary duct openings. Its rough surface harbors plaque, but it is the plaque rather than the calculus that causes periodontal inflammation.

The line where the enamel of the crown meets the cementum of the root. It is the reference landmark for measuring attachment loss and gingival recession.

Apical migration of the gingival margin, exposing the root surface. It may occur with attachment loss and can cause root exposure, hypersensitivity, and esthetic or functional problems.

The oral mucosa surrounding the teeth, comprising free, attached, and interdental portions. Its epithelial seal and immune response are central to defense against periodontal infection.

The bone of the jaw that forms and supports the tooth sockets. It responds to periodontal inflammation with resorption, and its loss is a defining feature of periodontitis.

Mechanical removal of plaque and calculus from crown and root surfaces, followed by smoothing to discourage reaccumulation. It is the foundation of periodontal therapy and is performed under general anesthesia with proper instrumentation.

Instrumentation of the root surface to remove embedded calculus and contaminated cementum and to smooth the surface. It is used in closed or open periodontal therapy for pockets with attachment loss.

Intraoral imaging used to evaluate tooth roots, alveolar bone, and lesions hidden beneath the gingiva. Full-mouth series are standard before extraction or periodontal surgery because clinical examination alone underestimates disease.

Loss of dental hard tissue caused by odontoclast activity, common in cats and often affecting the root or neck. Lesions may be painful and are classified by radiographic appearance and extent of involvement.

A resorptive cell derived from the monocyte lineage that dissolves enamel, dentin, and cementum. Its activity underlies feline tooth resorption and external root resorption after trauma.

Surgical removal of the crown of a tooth, usually combined with root removal or intentional retention of a treated root. In cats with resorptive lesions it can relieve pain when extraction is difficult.

Surgical removal of a tooth, requiring elevation, luxation, and sectioning as needed. Careful technique preserves alveolar bone and adjacent structures and avoids root fracture and jaw fracture.

An abnormal communication between the oral cavity and nasal cavity, often a complication of maxillary canine extraction or severe periodontal disease. It causes nasal discharge and requires surgical closure.

A persistent opening between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus, typically after extraction of a maxillary molar or premolar. It predisposes to sinusitis and usually needs flap repair.

Any abnormal relationship of the teeth or jaws, classified as skeletal or dental and as class I, II, or III. It may cause trauma to soft tissue, impaired chewing, and periodontal damage.

The contact relationship between upper and lower teeth when the jaws close. Normal occlusion in dogs and cats is assessed by incisor alignment, canine interdigitation, and premolar interlocking.

A malocclusion in which a mandibular canine is positioned lingually and contacts the palate or maxillary gingiva. It can cause traumatic ulcers and may be corrected by orthodontic or surgical means.

A malocclusion in which the upper incisors protrude excessively beyond the lower incisors. It may be skeletal or dental in origin and can interfere with prehension and incisor function.

The branch of dentistry concerned with the dental pulp and periapical tissues. Procedures include vital pulp therapy, root canal treatment, and management of pulp necrosis and periapical infection.

Inflammation of the dental pulp, usually caused by bacterial contamination through a fracture, caries, or exposed dentinal tubules. It may be reversible or progress to necrosis and periapical disease.

Removal of diseased pulp tissue, cleaning and shaping of the canal, and obturation with a filling material. It preserves a functional tooth that would otherwise require extraction.

A break in tooth structure, classified by involvement of enamel, dentin, or pulp. Fractures exposing the pulp require endodontic treatment or extraction to prevent pulp necrosis and infection.

The standardized notation of tooth numbers and types in each quadrant. In the dog it is 2x(3 incisors, 1 canine, 4 premolars, 2 molars) for deciduous and permanent dentitions, with species differences.

Describing teeth with high crowns and reserve crown that erupt continuously or for a prolonged period, as in horses. Wear is balanced by eruption throughout much of life.

Describing teeth with short crowns that do not continue erupting after completion, as in dogs and cats. The crown is fully formed and the root is separated by a distinct neck.

The chewing surface of a tooth, which in horses consists of enamel, dentin, and cementum folds. Its uneven wear patterns are used to estimate age and assess dental health.

Progressive loss of tooth substance from chewing and abrasion. In horses, uneven wear produces sharp enamel points and hooks that can injure the cheeks and tongue.

Rasping of sharp enamel points and overgrown areas of equine cheek teeth to restore a functional occlusal surface. It is a routine preventive procedure performed with a speculum and sedation.

A small, often vestigial first premolar in the horse, usually present in the upper arcade and sometimes the lower. It may be extracted if it interferes with the bit or causes oral trauma.

An overgrowth of a cheek tooth caused by abnormal wear, commonly on the rostral aspect of upper molars or caudal aspect of lower molars. Hooks can entrap the tongue or traumatize soft tissue and require reduction.

An equine dental abnormality in which the occlusal line undulates instead of forming a level surface, due to uneven wear. It can impair mastication and predispose to further overgrowths.

An equine occlusal abnormality in which one or more cheek teeth are overgrown or missing, creating a step-like profile. It alters chewing efficiency and requires careful reduction of overgrown teeth.

A painful disorder of older horses, mainly affecting incisors and canines, in which tooth substance is resorbed and excessive cementum forms. Clinical signs include quidding, weight loss, and reluctance to eat.

Dropping or balling of partially chewed food from the mouth, a common sign of equine dental pain or malocclusion. It indicates impaired mastication and warrants a full oral examination.

Inflammation or infection of the paranasal sinuses, in horses often secondary to dental disease of the upper cheek teeth. It causes nasal discharge, facial swelling, and may require sinus lavage or tooth extraction.