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Tooth resorption causes the structure of a tooth to break down over time. In dogs, it usually happens out of sight, beneath the gumline, with no clear signs.
It was once thought to be uncommon, but we’re now seeing it more often, mostly due to improvement in dental imaging techniques and increased monitoring.
“Tooth resorption in dogs often progresses without visible signs, making imaging essential for diagnosis.”
About tooth resorption in dogs
Tooth resorption occurs when specialised cells called odontoclasts break down the tooth’s hard structures, leading to progressive damage. In dogs, tooth resorption tends to start within the tooth root and stay hidden below the gumline. Unlike in cats, where a visible defect might develop in the crown over time, most affected dog teeth look completely normal above the gumline. Many cases are picked up incidentally during dental X-rays, often when a dog is in for routine care.
Some teeth may eventually fracture as the structure weakens. Others are found missing altogether, without any known injury. In many cases, there are no clear symptoms to suggest anything is wrong.
What is the cause?
There’s still a lot we don’t know about why tooth resorption develops in dogs. In some cases, it appears to be triggered by inflammation or infection, particularly when there is disease inside the root canal or affecting the tissues around the tooth. These are classified as inflammatory types and are often painful. Other possible contributors, like past trauma, pressure from chewing or mechanical stress, have been suggested but are not well supported by research.
The most common form of tooth resorption seen in dogs is replacement resorption. This is considered non-inflammatory and tends to occur without any obvious underlying cause. In these cases, the root of the tooth is gradually replaced by bone. It often progresses without signs of pain or infection and is usually found during imaging, rather than through symptoms.
Tooth resorption is seen more often in older dogs, as well as certain breeds, including Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Cattle Dogs.
What are the signs, and how is it diagnosed?
Tooth resorption is often asymptomatic in the early stages. Because most lesions develop below the gumline, they’re rarely visible during a standard oral examination. When signs are present, they may be subtle or mistaken for other issues. These can include:
- Unexplained missing or broken teeth
- Red, inflamed or discoloured teeth
- Discomfort while eating or subtle changes in chewing behaviour
Sometimes, the gum around the affected tooth may appear irritated, or a small draining tract (fistula) may be seen. However, many dogs show no outward signs at all. Most of the time, we discover tooth resorption during dental procedures, when full-mouth X-rays are taken under general anaesthesia. At Advanced Animal Dentistry, dental radiographs are a standard part of every dental treatment.
“There is no cure for tooth resorption, and treatment focuses on managing the affected tooth when damage occurs.”
Treatment for Tooth Resorption in Dogs
Unfortunately, there is no cure for tooth resorption. The only effective treatment is extraction of the affected tooth. This becomes necessary when the lesion is painful, the crown is compromised or the tooth is at risk of breaking.
Where replacement resorption is present and the tooth structure remains largely intact, it may be appropriate to monitor the area with repeat imaging after six months. However, once the tooth shows signs of significant structural loss or causes discomfort, extraction is recommended.
Occasionally, crown amputation is used, although evidence for its success in dogs is limited. This involves removing the crown while leaving the resorbing root remnants behind, and it is not recommended if there are any signs of infection or inflammation.
The importance of early detection
Tooth resorption in dogs is irreversible. While there’s no cure and no known way to prevent it, detecting the condition before it causes damage gives us the best chance to manage it effectively. Acting early can help avoid pain, infection or tooth fracture.
Many owners are surprised to learn that dogs can develop this condition. It’s often thought of as something that only affects cats. But with dental imaging now a regular part of oral healthcare, we’re seeing it in dogs more often.
