Effects of repeated scaling and root planing and/or controlled oral hygiene on the periodontal attachment level and pocket depth in beagle dogs

Abstract

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of initial and/or repeated subgingival scaling with or without controlled oral hygiene on the level of periodontal attachment and pocket depth in Beagle dogs. furthermore, the effect of repeated scaling on the progression of naturally developed periodontitis was to be determined.At baseline, and at 1,6,12,24 and 36 months clinical parameters for plaquen deposits (PII), calculus (CI), gingival health (GI) periodontal attachment from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and pocket depth were recorded by the same examiner.Eight healthy Beagles, 3 1/2–6 years of age with moderate naturally developed periodontal desease were divided into experimental and control animals. In the experimental group, 4 dogs received a thorough scaling and root planing at the start of the experiment. thereafter the experimental dogs were subjected to daily toothbrushing and a rubber cup and pumice prophylaxis every two weeks. The remaining 4 control dogs were not subjected to any oral hygience measures.Two quadrants diagonally opposed in each animal (experimentaal and control) were scaled and root planed every six months.In the experimental group a significant increase in attachment level was maintained throughout the study. Initial scaling followed by oral hygiene reduced pocket depth singificantly and pocket reduction was maintained over the three year period. Repeated scaling did not influence the mainternance of the attachment level or the reduction in pocket depth in the experimental group. The control animals continued to lose attachment and pocket depth increased during the study. Scaling every six months without oral hygience resulted in loss of attachment and increase in pocket depth, although the rate of attachment loss was retarded.It is concluded that following initial scaling conticuous removal of bacterial plaque is essential for the maintenance of periodontal attachment. In moderate periodontal disease the levels of attachments may be maintained without surgical therapy.