Tooth Resorption Treatment
Tooth resorption in pets can present in two different ways - either external or internal. And there are subcategories under each of those two categories. But whichever classification it falls into, it is a condition that is fairly common in dogs. Lesions can affect any tooth; however, the most common place for tooth resorption is in the premolars in the lower jaw. In most instances, it is not visible to the naked eye, which is why diagnosing it can be problematic. The only real way to diagnose tooth resorption and to create an appropriate treatment plan is through the use of x-rays.
What Does Tooth Resorption Look Like?
Tooth resorption is so common that one study observed that 50% or more of those animals in the practice who had X-rays done showed evidence that they were experiencing tooth resorption. When there is evidence of it on x-ray, it appears internally as an enlarged section that is clearly defined and smooth around the margins. Since dogs can’t tell you what they feel and it is not common to spot signs of resorption, recognizing the symptoms to effectively treat both types of resorption is critical for quality of life and longevity.
What are the Causes of Tooth Resorption, How Does it Typically Begin, and What’s its Progression?
Tooth resorption does not appear to have any definitive cause. What oral specialists do know is that there appears to be a link between a dog's diet, diseases, and vaccines that aid in the tooth resorption process. Regardless of what causes it, the end effect is the degradation of the dentin and cementum, which often progresses into an infected tooth’s pulp. It is very painful at the stage where lesions can affect the crown. When it causes tiny cracks and lesions within the crown, bacteria can permeate the surface and enter the tooth itself.
What are the Symptoms of Tooth Resorption?
As stated before, it is nearly impossible to spot signs of tooth resorption through an external examination. But once the dentin becomes exposed, it is severely painful and can lead to a trembling jaw and muscle spasms whenever something touches the lesion. Dogs might show signs of excessive drooling, difficulty eating, and oral bleeding once the process begins. It can also result in the fracture of the affected tooth due to the integrity of the crown being compromised.
How Do You Treat Tooth Resorption?
Because tooth resorption goes through many stages as it progresses, you can catch it at various points. Once it leads to erosion, or enough of the root has been affected that there is no longer stability, the tooth has to be extracted.
Treatment options need to be determined by your veterinary oral care specialists depending on the condition of your situation, but the most common treatments involve:
Waiting and watching
early on before the lesions affect the tooth crown, it might be recommended to take a “wait and see” approach with regular check-up care. The check-up visits will revolve around reassessing the tooth resorption to see if it advances.
Extraction
If the damage has progressed to the oral cavity, the pain and inflammation will become severe. In this case, often the only choice is tooth extraction.
At Veterinary Dental Care, we are specialists in complex oral conditions and procedures. If your pet is experiencing a dental emergency, contact our office to make an appointment today.