Periodontal Disease (Dental Disease) in cats

Periodontal disease in cats is different from periodontal disease in dogs in a few key ways.

While the process of periodontal disease is similar, where bacteria on the teeth at the gum line cause inflammation, gum recession and loss of the bone supporting teeth, cats are different in the fact that anytime there is severe inflammation in the mouth, tooth resorption often occurs.

The periodontal disease component is treated similarly, and in early stages can be treated with deep professional cleaning, but in later stages often requires dental extraction.

If a tooth has tooth resorption in addition to periodontal disease affecting a particular tooth, the correct treatment is nuanced by a number of factors.

Experience in treating dental conditions in cats is critical for appropriate surgical decision making.