Tooth Resorption in Dogs

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What is It?

canine Tooth Resorption

Canine tooth resorption is a progressive, inflammatory dental condition where the hard tissues of the tooth, such as dentin and cementum, begin to break down and disintegrate. Simply put, it is dental destruction. There are different types of tooth resorption, and treatment focuses on the type of tooth resorption present.  Tooth resorption in dogs (TR) occurs in different patterns, the most common including internal resorption, idiopathic bony replacement resorption, and inflammatory root surface resorption.

TR can cause oral discomfort and pain in the following scenarios:

  1. There is a resorptive lesion affecting the pulp cavity. The inner portion of the tooth houses the pulp cavity which is comprised of blood vessels and nerve tissue. If the pulp cavity is altered by tooth resorption, oral discomfort may be present.
  2. Tooth resorptive lesion with exposure to the oral cavity.

Causes of Canine Tooth Resorption

The exact cause of tooth resorption in dogs is still unknown, but it involves cells called odontoclasts breaking down the tooth

tissue, usually starting from the root and progressing upwards.

  1. Enthusiastic chewers—Dogs who are heavy chewers may be more prone to tooth resorption.
  2. Genetics— While the exact genetic factors are not fully understood, certain breeds are more predisposed to dental issues, including tooth resorption. For example, breeds with crowded teeth and skeletal malocclusion, such as brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, shih tzus, bulldogs), are more likely to develop dental problems due to their anatomical structure.
  3. Unfortunately, many cases of canine tooth resorption have an unknown cause.

Side note: Tooth resorption is more commonly seen in cats, however all animals with teeth can be affected.

Clinical Presentation

Tooth resorption in dogs is generally considered to be non-painful until the process becomes exposed to the oral cavity. Most patients with tooth resorption will not show clinical signs recognized by the owner as being painful. Internal resorption can sometimes be seen as a pink discoloration of the crown (fig. 1), which becomes evident as the area of resorption approaches the surface of the tooth. Most tooth resorption in dogs, however, is diagnosed radiographically or cone-beam CT imaging.

It is important to note that dental imaging is imperative for treating tooth resorption.

Radiographic Appearance

Internal resorption begins within the endodontic system, usually in the crown of the tooth. The affected area of the tooth becomes indistinct, and the outline of the root canal spaces becomes less distinct in the area of resorption (Fig. 2).

Idiopathic bony replacement resorption) is commonly seen in older patients. The premolars (cheek teeth) are most commonly affected. The process usually begins at the root and progresses towards the crown(Fig. 3). Many affected teeth never have more than 1/3 to 1/2 of the root affected. Still, the process may continue until the entire root structure of the tooth is resorbed and the crown of the tooth is mobile. During resorption, the affected part of the root is typically ankylosed (fused) to the surrounding bone in the area of resorption, eventually becoming replaced by trabecular bone, hence the term replacement resorption. In some cases, the resorption can start in the mid-root area (Fig. 4). In most cases, no radiographic lysis is appreciated in the areas of resorption.

Symptoms

Dogs with tooth resorption might not show any signs initially, especially if the resorption is at the root surface and structure. However, once it reaches the crown and exposes sensitive areas, you might notice:

  • Difficulty eating
  • Fractured teeth
  • Pawing at the face
  • No symptoms

Treatment

Treatment options vary depending on the severity and progression of the condition:

Dog tooth resporption treatment radiograph

  • Monitoring: If the resorption is not causing pain, monitoring rather than surgical dental extractions may be recommended.
  • Extraction: If the resorption has reached the crown or is causing significant pain, extraction of the affected tooth might be necessary.
    • Teeth in which the areas of resorption are exposed (or soon will be exposed) to the oral cavity should be extracted.
  • Root Canal Therapy: This can help stop the progression of resorption by cleaning and filling the root canal. *This is a treatment option available in humans. Unfortunately, it is rarely a viable treatment option in dogs as tooth resorption is often more advanced, making endodontic therapy not a viable treatment option.

Prevention of Canine Tooth Resorption

Preventing canine tooth resorption can be challenging since the exact cause is still unknown. However, there are some general dental care practices that can help maintain your dog’s oral health and potentially reduce the risk:

  1. Routine Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary dental check-ups and cleanings. Early detection of any dental issues can help manage them before they progress.
  2. Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your dog’s teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. This helps remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup, which can contribute periodontal disease.
    • Do your best. We know it’s not always easy or feasible in some households.
  3. Dental  Chews: Provide dental chews and oral play toys designed to promote oral health. These can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. *See blog post of ‘Chewsing the Right Chew’
    • Carrots, green beans, and apple slices are great crunchy items to promote tooth health.
  4. Balanced Diet: Ensure your dog has a balanced diet that supports overall health, including dental health. Avoid giving them hard objects that can cause tooth fractures.
    • Adding a daily dog specific probiotic may promote improvement of the GI microbiome.
  5. Monitor for Symptoms: Keep an eye out for any signs of dental issues, such as bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, or pawing at the mouth. Early intervention can make a big difference.

Canine Tooth Resorption Treatment in Bozeman, Montana

Tooth resorption can occur despite preventative measures. At Montana Pet Dentistry and Oral Surgery, helping you to provide your dog a health oral cavity is our passion and mission. If you notice changes in your dog’s eating habits, such as dropping food, and variable appetite, call us to discuss your concerns and schedule an appointment. We are happy to help!

 

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