Figaro, a 5-year-old Domestic Short Hair, initially presented for an assessment of oral pain, persistent bad breath, and excessive drooling (ptyalism). Additionally, he had a mobile canine tooth that added to his discomfort. His medical history was no less challenging, with a traumatic incident at the age of 17 weeks that left him with a missing right maxilla and midface. To address this, Figaro had previously undergone an angularis oris flap surgery, which was an attempt to repair his facial trauma. However, this procedure had only achieved partial success.
Dr. Warshaw began Figaro’s assessment with a conscious examination, considering various factors that could be contributing to his distress.
Given Figaro's symptoms, the initial differential diagnosis pointed towards periodontal disease.
Figaro's journey towards recovery continued with an anesthetized examination, radiographs, and a comprehensive treatment plan. The radiographs confirmed the presence of periodontal disease in Figaro's mouth. Additionally, they revealed tooth root resorption, a condition that could lead to further complications if left unaddressed. Figaro's lower right canine tooth had not only been affected by resorption but was also broken as a result. The lower left molar had also lost a significant portion of its root due to resorption.
