Feline Tooth Resorption

Tooth resorption has been called cervical line, lesions, neck lesions, kitty cavities, and Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORLs). This condition is most common in cats over 2 years of age. It results in the loss of tooth structure. The pulp canal contains blood vessels and nerves which once exposed can cause pain and serve as a route for infection to enter the tooth. These lesions are not cavities or caries, which are virtually never seen in cats. Although this condition is painful, cats typically continue to eat. Common symptoms include drooling, vomiting unchewed food, changes in behavior, and bad breath. Some cats will "chatter" if the affected areas are touched, due to the associated pain. If you look into your cat's mouth you might notice an area of gum tissue starting to grow onto the tooth. This begins as a small pin point area of pink tissue on the tooth and continues to grow over the tooth as the destruction occurs. We recommend a yearly oral exam with dental radiographs to screen for tooth resorption. The exact cause of tooth resorption is unknown. Once a tooth with resorption has been identified in a cat's mouth, it is very common for additional lesions to occur. We recommend rechecks every 6-12 months for a cat with a history of tooth resorption. If you suspect that your cat has tooth resorption, please contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.

Veterinary Dental Services, LLC
138 Great Road, Acton, MA 01720 · (978) 929-9200
FAX: 978-929-9979 Email: reception@veterinarydental.com