Lower Jawbone Changes in a Dog Associated with Aging and Dental Disease

         

These two dog dental radiographs (x-rays) demonstrate changes in lower jaw bone (the mandible) thickness and strength that can be adversely affected by poor dental hygiene over time. Both radiographs are of the mandible bone and the arrows point to bone thickness between the tooth root of the first molar and the outer edge of bone. The first molar on the lower jaw is a major tooth used for chewing and is also referred to as the carnasial tooth. As we can see in these radiographs the bone thickness varies dramatically from the dog with healthy teeth and gums on the left and the dog with severe dental disease on the right. This becomes especially important if the carnasial tooth has developed enough periodontal disease to require extraction. The thinning of the bone beneath the tooth would make the mandible much more susceptible to fracture during routine extraction for dental disease. Something we obviously want to avoid.

These radiographic films demonstrate that dental disease in our pets can be more severe than a physical exam alone may allude to. This case focuses on the importance of good dental care in order to prevent jaw bone deterioration, and why dental radiographs are so important during your pet’s dental cleaning.

Peter G Fisher, DVM