Tooth Resorption

Question 1

___________ is a non-inflammatory dentoalveolar ankylosis and replacement resorption with unknown etiology. It is non-painful when occurring beneath the gingival sulcus.

Answer 1

tooth resorption

Question 2

T/F: tooth resorption in cats is relatively common but prevalence and incidence decreases with age.

Answer 2

false – prevalence and incidence INCREASES with age.

Question 3

what is the typical location of tooth resorptions?

Answer 3

labial or buccal surfaces near cementoenamel junction
mandibular 3rd premolar* and 1st molar, as well as maxillary 3rd and 4th premolars are all most common
can also be deep in alveolus

Question 4

what are the clinical signs associated with tooth resorption?

Answer 4

• sometimes none
• hypersalivation/ptalyism
• head shaking
• chattering
• sneezing
• anorexia
• oral bleeding
• difficultly apprehending food

Question 5

what is the “bubble” of bone tissue that cats can develop during a resorptive process called?

Answer 5

Alveolar bone expansion and tooth extrusion/supereruption (movement of the tooth beyond normal occlusal plane)
It is a symptom of tooth resorption in cats and is associated with aging and periodontal disease.

Question 6

what tool is used to provide a sensitive tactile feel in order to identify subtle resorptive lesions with rough edges?

Answer 6

sharp shepherd’s hook dental explorer

Question 7

If resorptive lesions occur near the furcation of the tooth, how can you tell the difference between a true lesion versus just a furcation when you are probing?

Answer 7

furcations have smooth gradual edges, whereas resorptive lesions have sharp enamel edges.
you will hear an audible “tink” when you hit a lesion.

Question 8

what diagnostic tool is MOST critical to diagnosing resorptive lesions?

Answer 8

radiography
you will see lytic lesions and loss of portions of teeth or whole teeth.

Question 9

Describe a type 1 resorptive lesion

Answer 9

focal or multifocal radiolucency present in the tooth with otherwise normal radiopacity and normal periodontal ligament space

Question 10

What type of resorptive lesion is described as the following:
narrowing or disappearance of the periodontal ligament space in some areas and decreased radiopacity of part of the tooth.

Answer 10

type 2

otherwise known as “ghost teeth”

Question 11

What is different from a type 3 resorptive lesion versus type 1 or 2?

Answer 11

type 3 – has features of type 1 and 2

Question 12

T/F: a tooth that has roots undergoing resorption and has a normal crown, should NOT be causing the patient any problems/pain, does NOT require removal and can be monitored annually.

Answer 12

true.
exposed dentin in the crown is a source of pain and infection and therefore requires treatment.

Question 13

What resorptive lesions REQUIRE extraction?

Answer 13

lesion near or through level of gum attachment
if there is evidence of the periodontal ligament, then surgical extraction is best.

Question 14

In what scenarios are crown amputations indicated for resorption?

Answer 14

teeth where there is signficant replacement resorption and when there is no evidence of the periodontal ligament

this is because the retained root will continue to be resorbed.