If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to jaw fractures. Periodontal disease destroys the supportive structures of the tooth including bone of the mandible as seen in these cases. Loss of this bone leads to a weakened jaw and even light trauma to the area could result in fracture. The key is that when periodontal disease is advanced, many pet owners and even some veterinarians incorrectly reason that the pet has lived with the disease until this point so why intervene? The answer is that only by removing the affected tooth will the bone destruction stop. In many older patients with advanced disease, whether or not to pursue therapy can be a difficult decision. Because every case and patient has a different set of circumstances, Dr. Klarsfeld is available for consultation or appointment to help determine the best course of treatment for older patients with periodontal or other oral disease.
