Resorptive lesions are processes of dental resorption that involve the erosion and irreparable loss of dentin (the hard tissue beneath the enamel of a tooth). Their progression can affect all areas of a tooth.
Resorptive lesions can occur in both dogs and cats. While in feline patients, it is the most common dental pathology, it’s estimated that 70% will suffer from the disease during their lifetime, with a higher probability in older cats. The occurrence in dogs is also around 50% and increases with age.
Symptoms include increased salivation, oral bleeding, difficulty eating, weight loss, facial twitching, facial grimaces (abnormal head and tongue movements), and even behavioral changes that may include aggression.
Most lesions are located below the gingival margin and remain hidden, making them clinically undetectable. Evaluating the different types of lesions through intraoral radiographic studies is essential for providing the best diagnosis and treatment.
The cause is unknown and is thought to be multifactorial. Dental resorption can be a progressive condition that causes pain and may lead to spontaneous fracture of the crown, so it’s important to detect and treat this disease in a timely manner.
As of now, the only treatment for these lesions is dental extraction.
