Tooth resorption

Tooth resorption is a condition affecting up to 70% of cats as well as dogs. Osteoclasts destroy the dental hard tissues of teeth such as enamel, dentin and cementum. When the destruction of tooth occurs above the gum line it leads to oral pain. These animals can sometimes paw at their mouth, have a decreased appetite, salivate or have a change in attitude. Currently we do not know what causes tooth resorption. We do not have a prevention for tooth resorption and the only treatment for tooth resorption is extraction or crown amputation. When the root of the tooth radiographically appears like the bone of the mandible or maxilla it is permissible to crown amputate the tooth. If the root is intact then the entire root needs to be extracted.

Stomatitis

Is a multifactorial disease with an exaggerated immune response to plaque on teeth. In a retrospective study on stomatitis in cats 67% had substantial clinical improvement or complete resolution following full mouth extractions or partial mouth extractions and .7 to 12 % of the cat population is affected.