The sulcus lining epithelium renews itself
rapidly every 4-6 days - compared to 6-12 days
for oral epithelium. The sulcus is bathed in
crevicular fluid, which contains many of the
elements of immunity antibodies, neutrophils,
lymphocytes etc.
The normal depth of the sulcus is 0.5mm to
1mm in cats and 1-3mm in dogs. As a rule 1mm
for cats and 1-2mm in dogs can be considered
normal. Sulcus depth of more than 4mm in the
dog means that the tooth is in danger!
During active disease and attachment loss it is common for the
sulcus to deepen. As the junctional epithelium becomes inflamed
and oedematous it separates from the root surface. The tissues become
infiltrated with the cells normally found in this response
both primary and secondary. The junctional epithelium allows for
the migration of polymorphonuclear granulocytes and fluids.
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