This case courtesy of Dr. Rocco Mele, DVM assisted by Emily Schmidt, CVT, BS of Eastpoint Pet Clinic in Tucson, Arizona, photography by Cathy Mele
Dental specialists and general practice veterinarians alike are familiar with the difficult task of treating periodontal disease in canines and felines – whether it be through extractions, guided tissue regeneration, or a basic oral hygiene regimen. When full-mouth or multiple extractions are a surgeon’s only option, Veterinary Transplant Services’ injectable bone putty, Fusion Xpress, can assist with bone and soft tissue regrowth and help your patients heal stronger!
Sophie, a 13-year-old terrier mix, presented to Dr. Rocco Mele with grade 4 periodontal disease that necessitated extraction of several teeth.
Bone loss surrounding the roots of Sophie’s molars can be seen on radiography taken at her initial consultation. Her mandibular bone height is decreased, leaving these teeth unstable and her mandible prone to fracture.
Dr. Mele’s recommendation for Sophie, to prevent pathologic fracture of her mandible and further bone loss in her surrounding teeth was the surgical extraction of the diseased molar and premolar (which was also suffering bone loss, with both interior and exterior resoprtion taking place).
This photograph, taken intra-operatively following surgical extraction, shows the extent of the bone loss in Sophie’s mandible. Prior to the placement of Fusion Xpress, the site is fully debrided and irrigated to reduce potential for bacterial growth.
Fusion Xpress is the perfect solution for these hard-to-reach surgical sites. Made of a combination of equine bone and our synthetic bone substitute, Synergy, and packaged in individual doses in regular luer-tip syringes, Fusion Xpress can be expressed directly into a surgical site. Fusion Xpress‘ putty carrier makes it possible for the graft to stay in place while irrigating and regardless of the shape or size of the defect.
Fusion Xpress in place. This image, of another patient receiving periodontal surgery, illustrates the utility of the putty to mold to unique defects and stay in place even in bloody or irrigated sites.
Following graft placement, flaps can be opposed and the site surgically closed. Closure can happen immediately after graft placement – no drying or setting time is required.
Both the particles of the equine bone and the synthetic are visible on the radiograph of the mandible immediately post-operative.
Sophie was seen for a recheck appointment 18 months following surgery.
On physical exam, a probe held over the mandibular ridge shows a width of nearly 12mm. The robust bone growth is further illustrated when the surgeon grasps the mandible to isolate the mandibular ridge from the surrounding soft tissue.
Two-view radiographs of the mandible reveal strong, radiopaque bone growth in the areas previously marred with bone loss secondary to Sophie’s periodontal disease. Both images were taken at the same visit.
Help your patients fight bone loss with Fusion Xpress – it’s easy to apply, offered in a variety of sizes and at a price that can fit any practice. Packaged in single-use doses, our putty is stored at room temperature and has a two-year shelf-life. Let VTS help you help your patients beat periodontal disease!