Many adult cats will experience tooth resorption. Unfortunately, not enough receive treatment because the condition remains undiagnosed. Our veterinarians in Carlsbad share the signs of tooth resorption to watch for and what can be done to treat your cat if it occurs.
What is tooth resorption in cats?
Tooth resorption occurs when the dentin (the hard tissue beneath a tooth's enamel) of a single tooth or multiple teeth begins to erode. Left untreated, this can result in irreparable damage as tooth resorption can affect all of the components in your cat's affected tooth over time. This process will result in your cat's body breaking down and absorbing the structures that form their tooth.
The process of tooth resorption will start with the outer enamel breaking down, and it will continue toward the tooth's center. Eventually, most of the tooth will be gone, leaving only a raised bump on the gums. The premolars in the lower jaw (generally the third premolars) are the teeth most often affected by tooth resorption.
Sometimes, the result will be a hole in the tooth that closely resembles a cavity. However, tooth resorption and cavities differ because cavities result from bacteria, and the body's biological process causes resorption. Cavities are also relatively rare in cats, so if you see a hole in your cat's tooth that looks like a cavity, there's a chance that it is tooth resorption.
Are there different types of tooth resorption?
Cats can experience two different types of tooth resorption. The type your cat has will be determined by how the tooth appears on an X-ray. When a veterinarian takes a radiograph of a normal, healthy tooth, it should show the tooth root with a thin, dark outline surrounding it that separates the root from the bone. The dark outline represents the periodontal ligament, a normal anatomic element connecting the bone and the root.
The two different types of tooth resorption are:
Type 1 Tooth Resorption
If your cat has type 1 tooth resorption, the tooth's crown is damaged, but on the X-ray, the root looks normal, and the periodontal ligament can be easily recognized.
Type 2 Tooth Resorption
Also referred to as replacement resorption, if your cat is diagnosed with type 2 tooth resorption, the tooth root will look disintegrating, making it hard to differentiate from the bone on the radiograph.
What are the causes of the resorption?
The exact cause of tooth resorption is unknown. Diet is believed to play a role. Other factors predisposing a cat to resorption include frequent vomiting, periodontal disease, and mineral excesses or deficiencies in food or water. Tooth resorption in cats refers to a specific and painful condition.
How do I know if my cat has tooth resorption?
Cats are stoic creatures, naturally inclined to hide signs of pain. So, although resorption can be very painful for cats, it can be challenging for owners to recognize. This is why it's extremely important to be able to recognize the signs and behaviors detailed below:
- Increased salivation
- Difficulty eating
- Oral bleeding
- Behavioral changes
What are the treatment options if your cat has tooth resorption?
If you think your cat may have tooth resorption, call your vet right away to book a dental examination for your kitty. If your veterinarian suspects your feline friend has this condition, they will conduct diagnostic tests like X-rays and a clinical screening while your cat is under anesthesia. Your vet may also perform a complete dental screening. Without these tests, your cat's tooth resorption will go undiagnosed. If your cat's tooth resorption goes untreated, it will continue to become more severe, causing your cat unnecessary pain.
Because this condition can be challenging for pet parents to recognize, it's important to bring your kitty to the vet for routine dental exams and cleanings to give your vet a chance to detect this condition in its earliest forms.
If your vet diagnoses your cat with type 1 tooth resorption, they will likely need to extract your cat's tooth root and crown. If your kitty has type 2 tooth resorption, your vet may need to conduct a crown amputation with intentional root retention.
What happens if a cat's tooth resorption is left untreated?
Your vet may also perform a comprehensive dental screening. If cat tooth resorption goes undiagnosed and untreated, the condition will continue to worsen, causing your cat a great deal of pain and risk of infection. If left untreated, the tooth's crown can break and rot, resulting in tooth loss.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.