How are resorptive lesions treated in cats?

Crown amputation has been suggested as an acceptable treatment option for advanced type 2 lesions because these lesions are being completely resorbed and have no identifiable root canal system. In these cases, crown amputation results in significantly less trauma and faster healing as compared to complete extraction.

Are resorptive lesions painful in cats?

One of the most common, yet most undiagnosed conditions that affect cats are feline resorptive lesions (FRLs). FRLs are painful lesions that can affect any and all teeth, and affects up to 60% of cats by the time they are 6 years old.

What causes feline resorptive lesions?

Feline resorptive lesions are caused by the cat’s own cells (called odontoclasts) destroying the tooth from underneath the enamel. Affected teeth are very sensitive, and if the nerve is exposed they can be intensely painful. Often the crown of the tooth snaps off, leaving a painful retained root in the jaw.

What causes resorptive lesions?

The cause of these lesions is unknown; no one knows why odontoclastic cells begin to resorb the tooth root. Some researchers believe that infection or inflammation from periodontal disease may lead to the migration of odontoclastic cells into the area. Others believe that diet has a role in causing these lesions.

What happens if you don’t treat feline tooth resorption?

Tooth Resorption: Treatment and After-Care Over time, if the crown of the tooth is affected, the dentin and nerve can become exposed, resulting in chronic pain and infection. If left untreated for a long enough period, the crown can break resulting in tooth loss.

What does tooth resorption in cats look like?

Since the resorption lesions often appear on the gum line or just below it, you won’t always see them until the condition is quite severe. When they are visible, they can look like a hole in the tooth or a dark, pink stain down the center of the tooth.

Are resorptive lesions painful?

Resorptive lesions can actually be very painful. As you may or may not know, cats are masters at hiding, and some dogs are too. Animals aren’t the best at telling us when they are in pain. In fact, showing pain is a sign of weakness for most animals.

How serious is tooth resorption in cats?

Tooth Resorption: Treatment and After-Care not considered rare. Over time, if the crown of the tooth is affected, the dentin and nerve can become exposed, resulting in chronic pain and infection. If left untreated for a long enough period, the crown can break resulting in tooth loss.

Can tooth resorption in cats be reversed?

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent tooth resorption in cats. Brushing your cat’s teeth daily or every other day helps to decrease plaque and bacteria to slow gingivitis and periodontal disease. If your cat becomes painful or resistant to tooth brushing that they previously allowed, it may be a sign of oral pain.

What causes internal resorption?

The most common cause of internal root resorption is an infection within the pulp/nerve of the tooth. This causes stress on the dentin that make up the walls of the pulp chamber. The infection results in the stimulation of an inflammatory process within the pulpal tissues which causes the internal resorption.

What causes tooth absorption?

The cause of root absorption is still unknown, but essentially, this is when the apex, or the top of the root of teeth in bone, starts to melt away. A possible cause is heavy force over a short period of time, as can be seen with braces and other orthodontic therapies.

What is a tooth lesion?

(non-karē-ŭs dentăl lēzhŭn) A defect occurring in the enamel of the tooth not classified as decay unless (or until) it progresses. Incipient lesions are considered the initial breakdown of tooth structure.