Which examination method is primarily used to determine periodontal disease?

The primary examination method used to determine periodontal disease involves a sedated oral exam and intra-oral radiographs. This approach allows for a thorough evaluation of the periodontal tissues, including the gums, periodontal pockets, and the supporting structures of the teeth.

During a sedated oral exam, the veterinarian can more easily assess the severity of periodontal disease without the animal's movement or discomfort affecting the examination. This includes probing the depth of periodontal pockets, checking for attachment loss, and evaluating the overall health of the gums and teeth. Furthermore, intra-oral radiographs are essential because they provide critical information about the underlying bone structure, which is often affected by periodontal disease. By visualizing the bone level and identifying any bone loss, the veterinarian can establish a definitive diagnosis of periodontal disease.

In contrast, visual assessment alone may not offer a complete picture, as it often fails to reveal issues hidden beneath the gum line or the extent of bone loss. Owner history can provide useful information, but it cannot replace a direct clinical evaluation essential for diagnosing periodontal disease properly. Clinical observation tends to be more general and not as thorough as a sedated oral examination, which specifically targets the assessment of periodontal health. Thus, the combination of sedation and radiography is the most comprehensive method to