Figure 5: Vertical bone loss along distal root of the mandibular second molar.
As disease progresses, two-, one-, and no-walled (cup) defects can occur. Radiographically, vertical bone defects are generally
V-shaped and are sharply outlined (Figure 5).
Figure 6: Stage 4 periodontal disease with greater than 50-percent bone loss around the second and third mandibular molars.
Stage 4 , advanced periodontal disease is typified by deep pockets and/or marked gingival recession, tooth mobility, gingival bleeding
and purulent discharge. Attachment loss is greater than 50 percent of the root height (Figure 6).
Figure 7: Normal appearance of the furcation of the maxillary fourth premolar.
Furcation exposure The furcation is where multiple tooth roots divide at the trunk of the tooth. The furcation is a normal structure usually
filled with bone. Furcation exposure results from intraradicular (between the roots) bone loss due to advanced periodontal
disease. It is sometimes difficult to determine whether the intraradicular space is involved unless there is a radiographic
radiolucent area in the region of the furcation. Lack of radiographically detectable furcation involvement is not confirmation
of the absence of periodontal destruction (Figure 7). Advanced furcation exposures, where both cortical plates are resorbed,
are easily recognized on radiographs.
Figure 8: Radiograph of a Class I furcation exposure.
Class I (incipient) furcation involvement exists when the tip of a probe can just enter the furcation area. Bone partially
fills the area where the roots meet. Radiographically, there is a decreased density of the bone at the furcation (Figure 8).
Figure 9: Radiograph of class III furcation involvement.
Class II (definite) furcation exposure exists when the probe tip extends horizontally into the area where the roots diverge,
but it does not exit on the other side. Radiographically, there will be bone loss at the furcation.
Class III (through-and-through) exposure lesions exist secondary to advanced periodontal disease with extensive osseous destruction.
Alveolar bone has resorbed to a point that an explorer probe passes through the defect unobstructed. Radiographically, there
will be an area of complete bone loss (Figure 9).
Figure 10: Bulging areas around the maxillary canines caused by feline chronic alveolar osteitis.
Feline chronic alveolar osteitis Feline chronic alveolar osteitis (buccal bone expansion) clinically appears as bulging alveoli around one or both maxillary
and/or mandibular canines.
Figure 11: Bone loss around the canine roots is caused by feline chronic alveolar osteitis and root resorption.
Radiographically, this lesion appears as bone loss around the root and expansile alveolar canine bone growth (Figures 10,
11).
Figure 12: Loss of lamina dura from tooth affected by periodontal disease in feline supereruption syndrome.
Feline supereruption Feline supereruption (extrusion) occurs when one or more of the canine teeth appear longer than normal. Radiographically,
the affected teeth have marked loss of periodontal support (Figure 12).
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