Introduction and Objectives

Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs) are common dental problems that usually present with the resorption of permanent teeth. Visual inspection and tactile examination with a dental explorer may not be sufficient for diagnosis. Therefore, radiographic evaluation is required in order to identify severity (stage and type) of the lesion(s). Treatment selection is dependent on the severity, which includes extraction, crown amputation or routine monitoring of affected teeth.

Methods

A 6-year-old male Persian cat visited the hospital with the signs of halitosis and dental tartar. The cat presented with normal appetite without any sign of pain. All maxillary incisors were missing. Hyperplastic areas of gingivitis with severe dental tartar at both maxillary forth premolar were observed. The dental radiographs showed resorption of left mandibular third and fourth premolar (307, 308) (stage 4 type 1 and stage 3 type 2, respectively), and the left maxillary third and fourth premolar (207, 208) (stage 4 type 1) and right maxillary third premolar (107) (stage 4 type 2). Unerupted maxillary incisor teeth were also revealed by radiograph. All affected teeth were then extracted.

Results

At 14 days post-treatment, the cat resumed normal appetite and exhibited less degree of gingivitis.

Conclusions

It is suggested that semiannual dental examinations and dental radiography are recommended for all cats with previous diagnosis of tooth resorption.