Tooth Resorption in Cats

Tooth resorption is a very common condition that affects cats and sometimes dogs. When this process occurs, cells from the body are attacking and breaking down tooth structure, sometimes leaving exposed and painful areas on the surface of the tooth.

Why this is so common in cats is poorly understood, but the process of what's occurring has been well defined.

One thing we know about tooth resorption lesions is that when they affect the crown of the tooth or (the part within the mouth) they are very painful.

When the tooth resorptive lesion is confined to the root of the tooth and is of a type that the tooth root is turning into jawbone, we believe it’s a non-painful process. However, typically over time it will progress to affect the crown of the tooth. When that happens, the tooth will become painful

An easy rule of thumb for teeth with tooth resorption is that if you can see an issue, the tooth needs treatment. All teeth with tooth resorption lesions on the crown will need either dental extraction or crown amputation.

Teeth with replacement tooth resorption lesions affecting the root only can be monitored, but the majority will require treatment in the future. Unfortunately, we don't have data on how quickly they progress, but some teeth with early resorption in the root can be maintained for a period of years before they become a clinical problem.