Difference between revisions of "Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions"

Revision as of 13:29, 21 August 2009

Typical Signalment

There are no sex or breed predispositions
Becomes more prevalent with increasing age

Description

Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs) are the most commonly seen dental lesions in cats. On examination, there is a loss of dental tissue on the crown or at the neck of the teeth. The crown may be completely resorbed with the remaining root covered with gingiva.

The aetiology and pathogenesis of FORLs has not yet been demonstrated but is almost certainly multifactorial. Possible hypotheses that have been suggested include:

Diet texture
Abnormal calcium regulation
Hypervitaminosis A
Mechanical stress
Anatomical abnormalities of the teeth
Viral infection
Plaque bacteria and periodontal disease

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

Pain on contact
Anorexia
Drooling
Lethargy

Oral Examination

Visual Examination - identification of the lesions or inflammed gingiva that overlies the remaining root.

Probe - lesions that are subgingival may be identified using a dental probe.

Diagnostic Imaging

Radiographic signs of FORLs include:

Erosion of alveolar bone at the cementoenamel junction
Root resorption
Root ankylosis and subsequent periodontal space loss
Resorption of the dental dental crown

Classifying the Lesions

Classifying the lesions allows a logical treatment regime to be implemented. It can bt based on the severity of the resorptive lesions.

Stage 1 - Enamel only
Stage 2 - Enamel and dentine
Stage 3 - Pulp exposure
Stage 4 - Extensive structural damage
Stage 5a - Crown is resorbed but the roots are retained
Stage 5b - Crown is intact but the root is resorbed

Treatment

There are various treatment options available for the different stages of disease.

Stage 1-2
- Scale and polish
- Fluoride treatment
- Pit and fissure sealant
Stage 2
- Scale and polish
- Restoration of the tooth using glass ionomer, compomer or composite (High failure rate)
Stage 2-4
- Extraction
- Crown amputation whilst retaining root
Stage 5a
- Extraction
- Root retention
Stage 5b
- Crown amputation

References

Tutt, C., Deeprose, J. and Crossley, D. (2007) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry (3rd Edition) BSAVA

Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual

@@ Line 67: / Line 67: @@
 *'''Stage 2-4'''
 **Extraction
-**Crown amputation whilst retaining root
+**[[Crown - Anatomy & Physiology|Crown]] amputation whilst retaining root
 *'''Stage 5a'''
 **Extraction