Treating gum pockets on lower canine teeth in dogs with a wedge

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the ability of a periodontal resective procedure (the Proximal Wedge Technique) to improve the long-term health of the mandibular canines by reducing probing depths immediately post-surgery via targeted tissue recontouring and precise debridement. The technique aims to enhance periodontal health and stabilize the supporting structures of strategically important adjacent canine teeth, including alveolar bone, rather than relying solely on mandibular incisor extractions with simple closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective records review compiled data from patients with suprabony pockets of 6 mm or greater at the mesial aspect of the mandibular canines treated with the proximal wedge technique (PWT). The PWT utilizes non-displaced gingival flaps combining concepts from the modified Widman flap and distal wedge procedures with selective osteoplasty. RESULTS: Twenty-one mandibular canine sites from 12 patients of various breeds with pocket depths ranging from 6 to 10 mm were treated with the PWT resulting in post-operative mean pocket depths of 1.7 ± 0.1 mm. Approximately 1 year later, the improved depths were unchanged in six of the patients comprising 12 of the 21 sites. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: By employing this method, veterinarians can enhance periodontal health and stabilize the supporting structures of strategically important adjacent canine teeth, including alveolar bone, rather than relying solely on mandibular incisor extractions with simple closure. The Proximal Wedge Technique resulted in reliable periodontal success and improved patient outcomes for one year and potentially longer, allowing retention of the mandibular canines and maintaining the integrity of the rostral mandible.