Feline dentistry — resorption and stomatitis
Tooth resorption, stomatitis and other feline dental conditions — diagnosed and treated where indicated.
Treating tooth resorption: why dental radiographs decide the plan
In tooth resorption (TR), the body’s own cells — odontoclasts — gradually destroy the hard tissues of the tooth. In the mouth you usually see only a small defect near the gumline, or gum that seems to grow over the crown, while the main changes happen in the root below the gum.
That is why I plan treatment for resorption only after full-mouth dental radiography. The images show the stage and type of the lesion, the state of the roots and bone, signs of inflammation, and other affected teeth that look healthy in the mouth.
The type of resorption on the radiograph determines the method. If the root keeps its normal structure — the root canal and periodontal ligament space are visible — the whole tooth, roots included, must be extracted. If the root has already been largely replaced by bone-like tissue, crown amputation may be possible in selected cases.
Extraction of the whole tooth
- The main treatment for TR
- Required if the radiograph shows a root canal and periodontal ligament space
- Required with inflammation around the tooth, periodontitis or changes at the root tip
- I confirm the extraction is complete with a follow-up radiograph
Crown amputation
- Only for specific radiographic types of resorption, where the root is being replaced by bone-like tissue
- Only without signs of inflammation or infection: no periodontitis, no changes at the root tip and no stomatitis
- The crown is removed and the replaced root is deliberately left in the bone
- Follow-up radiographs over time are needed
Crown amputation is not a shortcut instead of extraction, and it does not suit every tooth with TR. It is never done without a radiograph: a root with a preserved canal left in the bone will keep causing pain and inflammation.
Why a tooth with resorption is not filled
Resorption is often mistaken for caries, and owners ask whether it can be filled. With TR this does not work: the cells destroying the tooth carry on working beneath and around the filling. The filling falls out or breaks down, the lesion progresses and the pain returns.
That is why restorations are not recommended for tooth resorption. A defect open to the mouth is painful even if the cat keeps eating, and it needs treating by extraction or, under strict radiographic criteria, crown amputation.
Chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS): treatment principles
Feline chronic gingivostomatitis is severe, painful inflammation that spreads beyond the gums to the lining at the back of the mouth, the cheeks and the palate. Its exact cause is not fully understood, but the inflammation is linked to an excessive immune response to plaque and bacteria on the tooth surfaces. Treatment is therefore aimed first of all at removing that source.
I draw up the plan after an examination under anaesthesia and full-mouth dental radiography: the images reveal resorption, periodontitis and roots left behind after previous extractions, all of which can keep the inflammation going.
- ✓The basis of treatment is extracting the teeth in the inflamed area — all premolars and molars, or all teeth — roots included
- ✓I confirm that all roots have been removed with follow-up radiographs
- ✓Anti-inflammatories, pain relief and, when clinically indicated, antibiotics ease the condition but do not remove the cause — they are temporary support, not a treatment on their own
- ✓Long-term or repeated steroid use has side effects, so I don’t advise repeating courses ‘like last time’ without an examination
- ✓Follow-up check-ups are needed after extractions: in some cats inflammation persists, and further therapy is then tailored individually
- ✓If the changes are atypical — for example, on one side only — a biopsy may be needed to rule out other conditions
Who this procedure is for
- ✓Cats eating on one side or refusing hard food
- ✓Persistent gum inflammation or stomatitis
- ✓Suspected tooth resorption
- ✓Drooling and oral discomfort
Symptoms that may indicate this procedure
How diagnosis works
- ✓A full oral examination under anaesthesia
- ✓Dental X-rays — the basis for diagnosing resorption
- ✓Assessment of the degree of inflammation and affected teeth
How the procedure works
- ✓Oral cavity sanitation where indicated
- ✓Extraction of resorbing teeth
- ✓Treatment of stomatitis under an individual plan
- ✓Periodontal therapy for any related disease
- ✓Crown amputation for tooth resorption — only on radiographic criteria
- ✓Follow-up dental radiographs after extractions
Why anaesthesia is needed
Proper diagnosis and treatment of feline dental disease requires a full examination under anaesthesia.
More on this: anaesthesia in veterinary dentistry.
Technology and equipment
Possible results
- ✓Sources of pain removed
- ✓Reduced inflammation
- ✓Easier eating once healed
What the owner receives after the procedure
- ✓Guidance on soft food
- ✓Monitoring inflammation
- ✓A follow-up plan
- ✓A check-up after extractions for gingivostomatitis to assess any remaining inflammation
- ✓Regular check-ups and repeat radiographs once resorption has been found: other teeth can be affected over time
What affects the fee
Cost depends on the number of affected teeth and the extent of treatment required. Agreed after COHAT diagnostics.
Frequently asked questions
It's a process in which the tooth breaks down — often starting at the root. X-rays help detect damage that isn't visible on a standard examination.
It depends on the cause. After a full examination and X-rays, a plan is drawn up — sometimes extracting the affected teeth forms part of the treatment.
No. In tooth resorption (TR) the body’s own cells keep destroying the tooth beneath and around the filling: the filling falls out and the pain comes back. The tooth is extracted or, if the type of resorption on the radiograph allows, a crown amputation is performed.
In crown amputation the visible part of the tooth is removed, and the root that is already being replaced by bone-like tissue is left in the bone. It is only possible for specific radiographic types of resorption and without signs of inflammation or infection — no periodontitis, no changes at the root tip and no stomatitis. Otherwise the whole tooth is extracted.
About dental radiography →Extracting the teeth in the inflamed area is the basis of treatment for chronic gingivostomatitis. In many cats the inflammation then reduces considerably or resolves, but not in all: some need further medical treatment. That is why I plan follow-up check-ups after extractions.
About tooth extraction →Related services
COHAT
COHAT is a comprehensive oral assessment under anaesthesia that includes oral cavity sanitation, periodontal examination, full-mouth dental radiography and evaluation of every tooth.
More about COHAT →Dental Radiography
Full-mouth X-rays reveal roots, bone and changes hidden beneath the gumline.
How dental radiography works →Tooth Extraction
Teeth are extracted only where clinically indicated after examination and dental radiography. My first task is to assess whether a tooth can be safely preserved; if extraction is necessary, I perform it as precisely as possible with local pain control, radiographic checks and careful handling of surrounding tissues.
When a tooth needs extracting →Periodontology & Regenerative Therapy
Oral cavity sanitation, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease — from gingivitis to regenerative therapy where indicated.
More about periodontology →© dr.vetstomat. Original content.
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