What is tooth resorption?
Tooth resorption is a condition in which a cat's body begins to break down and absorb the structures of a tooth. A single tooth or multiple teeth' dentin (the hard tissue underneath a tooth's enamel) starts to erode.
Left untreated, this process can result in irreparable damage as tooth resorption can affect all of the components of the affected tooth over time.
The process of tooth resorption starts with the destruction of the outer enamel and continues toward the center of the tooth. Eventually, most of your cat's rotten tooth will be gone, and only a raised bump will remain on the gums. The premolars in the lower jaw (generally the third premolars are the teeth that are most often affected by tooth resorption.
In some cases, the resulting hole in the tooth will closely resemble a cavity. However, the difference between cavities and tooth resorption is that cavities are the result of bacteria, while tooth resorption is caused by a biological process that occurs within the body. Cavities are also fairly rare in cats, so if you see a hole in your cat's tooth that looks like a cavity, there's a risk that this is actually tooth resorption.
What are the different types of tooth resorption in cats?
Cats can experience two types of tooth resorption. The type your cat has will depend on the way the tooth appears on an X-ray. When a veterinarian takes a radiograph of a normal tooth, the tooth root should appear with a thin dark outline surrounding it, separating the root from the bone. The dark outline represents the periodontal ligament, which is a normal anatomic element connecting the bone to the tooth's root.
The two different types of tooth resorption are:
Type 1 Tooth Resorption
- If your cat has type 1 tooth resorption, it means 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 like it is disintegrating, making it hard to differentiate from the bone on the radiograph.
What are the common symptoms of tooth resorption in cats?
Cats are stoic creatures, naturally inclined to hide signs of pain. So, although resorption can be very painful for cats, it can be hard for owners to recognize. Which is why it's very 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 an 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 hard 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 the 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.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please visit your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.