Whitecourt Veterinary Clinic
Box 1769
Whitecourt, Alberta T7S 1P5
Telephone: 780-778-5767 - Fax: 780-778-5452
wctvet@telusplanet.net

These lesions are areas of the tooth which have been reabsorbed by the body. This exposes the more sensitive structures of the tooth causing pain. They are often hard to see because they can occur just under the gum line. Eventually the tooth can become weak and break off. The cause of this action is by cells in the mouth called Odontoclasts. Odontoclasts have the ability to breakdown and absorb teeth. Normally, they function to absorb the roots of baby teeth, then they are supposed to stop. With resorptive lesions, these cells are still present, and continue to break down adult, permanent teeth.

The same process is occurring beneath the gum line. Roots are dissolved and are being replaced by bone.

Severe Resorptive lesion                   X-ray of same lesion

The cause for this abnormality is unknown. Resorptive lesions can be found in any cat, regardless of age, sex or breed. They may be present in up to 16% of cats less than 6 years of age and up to 74% of cats over 6 years of age. They also vary in degree of severity. Resorptive lesion have even been found in wild cats such as lions and tigers.

Due to the fact that resorptive lesions are often found under the gum line, they can be hard to find, but your cat may give you some telltale signs:

• PAIN – especially when teeth are touched. This can be the reason for a "cranky cat". They may also show pain by chattering teeth, especially after eating, or even being off of their food in general.

• Have a look at the gum line. As the tooth is eaten away, the gum grows into the hole to try to protect the tooth. The gum may also appear red.

• If your cat has a large amount of tartar on one side of the mouth compared to the other, this may suggest that he/she is chewing only on the cleaner side, most likely due to pain.

Examining a cat’s teeth can be difficult, especially if he’s painful. Some lesions can be quite obvious, others may require a deeper look. Most are found by running a fine-tipped probe over the surface of the tooth to feel for any holes, or to provoke a pain response, while under anesthetic.

While the cat is under anesthetic, dental x-rays are recommended to evaluate how much root structure is lost.

What about treatment?

Treatment is important in order to relieve discomfort and pain. It was once thought that these lesions could be treated like cavities in human teeth and be filled, but the lesions continue to progress under the filling.

The only treatment is to remove the tooth – the source of the pain. It seems drastic, but the tooth will eventually break off soon enough, and in the meantime will continue to cause a lot of pain.

Daily brushing and frequent dental cleanings may help to slow the progression of the disease, however tooth loss is inevitable.

Reference: http://www.vetdentistry.com/lesion.html