Subgingival odontoclastic resorptive lesions. Classification, treatment, and results in 58 cats.

A commonly recognized dental problem in cats is the resorption of tooth structure and subsequent loss of the tooth. These tooth defects are often very painful, because the sensitive dentin layer is exposed. The destruction of the tooth through odontoclastic resorption is considered a consequence of inflammatory resorption, probably secondary to periodontal inflammation. Because these resorptive lesions are progressive in nature, it is best to stage this progression of resorption in order to address treatment planning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a group of 58 cats with resorptive lesions to determine the outcome of treatment 6 months or longer after restoration. In 81% of the cats, there was loss of the tooth, evidence of further resorption, or loss of the restoration at one or more resorption sites. Of the 154 teeth restored, only 33% showed no further evidence of loss of tooth structure.