Did you know? As many as 7 out of every 10 adult cats suffer from tooth resorption lesions. Over time, the tooth will eventually disappear, but before that happens, the cat endures the pain caused by tooth resorption, which affects its quality of life.
What is Tooth Resorption?
It might sound incredible, but can teeth really be absorbed by the body’s own cells? In fact, there is a type of cell that “eats” teeth, called odontoclasts.
Studies have found that when these cells become dysregulated, it leads to the occurrence of tooth resorption. Medical science has not yet identified the specific cause of their dysregulation.
In the past, feline tooth resorption was often mistaken for cavities (a lesion caused by bacteria) because their appearances are very similar. However, in reality, tooth resorption and cavities are completely different! Further Reading: Do Cats Get Cavities?
The American Veterinary Dental College has created a diagram showing the progression of tooth resorption (from left to right), where you can see the tooth eventually disappears completely.
Frequency of Tooth Resorption and Susceptible Groups
Approximately 20%-75% of adult cats will develop tooth resorption lesions, which ultimately lead to the loss of tooth structure (including cementum, dentin, pulp, and enamel).
*The reason for this wide range of 20%-75% is that different studies use different diagnostic tools, leading to discrepancies in statistical results.
Most cases of tooth resorption occur in cats over 2 years of age, with an average onset before 4-6 years. Some purebred cats seem particularly susceptible, such as Abyssinians, Siamese, Russian Blues, Scottish Folds, and Persians. However, tooth resorption is also common in mixed-breed cats.
What Are the Clinical Signs of Tooth Resorption?
Perhaps months or years later, the tooth will eventually disappear (be “eaten” by odontoclasts).
Many pet parents wonder what happens if these teeth with resorption lesions are left untreated. Will it affect the cat’s quality of life? In fact, before the tooth disappears, the cat will endure dental pain, which can severely impact its quality of life in serious cases. However, this also depends on the location of the tooth resorption, as different sites affect the generation of pain.
Tooth Resorption Below the Gumline: Usually No Obvious Signs
If tooth resorption only occurs in the root portion below the gumline, it usually does not cause pain. Unless the lesion extends beyond the gums, that’s a different matter.
Tooth Resorption Above the Gumline: Usually Accompanied by Pain, Inflammation, and Even Infection
Once a tooth resorption lesion affects the crown, bacteria in the oral cavity will inevitably come into contact with the lesion, causing painful inflammation of the surrounding soft tissues.
With this type of tooth resorption, whether the cat shows signs of pain in its daily life or not, it is actually feeling it (cats are just very good at hiding it, so the owner may not notice any signs). If left untreated, the cat may endure pain for months to years until the tooth disappears completely.
What Are the Signs and Behaviors of a Cat in Pain?
If you suspect your cat is in pain due to tooth resorption, you can look for the following clinical signs:
(These signs indicate that the cat’s endurance may have reached its limit, and the pain is intense!)
- Excessive drooling (mouth hurts too much to swallow normally)
- Head shaking
- Loss of appetite, not eating
- Dropping food from the mouth while eating
- Pawing at or rubbing the face
Cats are very good at tolerating pain. Usually, by the time they show signs of pain, it has already become unbearable.
Treatment Recommendations for Tooth Resorption?
Clinically, different treatment methods are adopted based on the stages and types of tooth resorption.
A dental specialist can classify and treat different types of tooth resorption.
Observation is usually recommended first, unless……
If the tooth resorption lesion is small and not exposed to oral bacteria, it can be closely monitored first. Through regular check-ups every six months or a year, a veterinary dentist can perform an evaluation (clinical examination and dental X-rays under anesthesia) to document any changes in the condition.
If close monitoring is not possible for some reason, tooth extraction is recommended.
About Tooth Extraction in Cats and Dogs
Basically, for any tooth resorption that comes into contact with oral bacteria and causes infection, inflammation, and pain (such as lesions on the crown), extraction is recommended. The key to extracting a tooth with resorption is to ensure that all remaining root fragments are removed. A veterinary dentist can confirm the success of the surgery with dental X-rays.
For teeth where the root has been completely absorbed, a crown amputation can be performed, but this also has some limitations.
Conclusion
Feline tooth resorption is often mistaken for cavities. Although their appearances are very similar, tooth resorption and cavities are completely different. Tooth resorption is often accompanied by severe pain and can seriously affect the quality of life for cats and dogs in severe cases. Therefore, if you notice signs of pain in your cat, it is recommended to take them to a professional veterinary dentist as soon as possible to help them get relief from their discomfort.
Original article by 搬运工, if reproduced, please cite the source: https://www.kaipet.com/en/cats-tooth-missing-7-things-tooth-resorption
Comments(2)
How can I proactively check for early, subtle tooth resorption signs in my cat?
@CriticX：Thank you for your question! As the article explains, early signs of tooth resorption can be subtle and difficult for owners to detect. Regular veterinary dental check-ups, ideally including X-rays under anesthesia, are the most effective proactive measure for early diagnosis and intervention.