Caudal Malocclusion in Cats

A caudal malocclusion is a specific type of malocclusion characterised by excessive vertical overlap or contact between the upper and lower teeth. This condition occurs when a tooth in the upper jaw damages the tissue near a lower molar, causing discomfort and potential periodontal disease. It often requires reshaping or extraction.

An overview of caudal malocclusions

Malocclusions, or bite abnormalities, occur less frequently in cats than dogs. One common traumatic malocclusion happens when the maxillary fourth premolar tooth contacts and traumatises the soft tissue next to the mandibular molar tooth. This can result in an ulcerated area beneath the mandibular molar, a cleft in the gingiva or a proliferative growth-like lesion (pyogenic granuloma). These issues can also lead to periodontal disease and, in some cases, early tooth loss.

Brachycephalic breeds, such as Persian and British Shorthair cats, along with Maine Coons, are most frequently affected by caudal malocclusion, though it can occur in any breed. This condition causes discomfort, making treatment essential.

“Malocclusions, or bite abnormalities, occur less frequently in cats than dogs.”

The odontoplasty procedure

In most cases, an odontoplasty procedure is performed on the maxillary fourth premolar tooth. This procedure involves reshaping the tip of the tooth to reduce its height and create a more rounded contour, aiming to alleviate soft tissue trauma caused by caudal malocclusion. During this procedure, dentin is exposed, which can lead to dental sensitivity. To mitigate this, a light-cured resin is applied to the exposed dentinal surface.

If significant tooth removal is necessary to eliminate trauma and the pulp chamber is entered, a vital pulpotomy or extraction may be required, though this is rare.

“In most cases, an odontoplasty procedure is performed on the maxillary fourth premolar tooth.”

Extraction as an alternative treatment

Extraction is an alternative to odontoplasty and offers a permanent solution to caudal malocclusion. It is a more invasive treatment generally reserved for cases where odontoplasty alone does not sufficiently alleviate trauma. Extraction can increase the risk of periodontal disease affecting the mandibular molar teeth due to the loss of the self-cleaning mechanism. In some cases, it may also lead to increased contact between the mandibular molar teeth and the palate, creating new points of trauma.

Additionally, proliferative tissue beneath the mandibular molar tooth may need to be resected or removed. This tissue is often sent to a pathologist to confirm its inflammatory nature.

Meet the Author

Bec Tucker

Specialist Veterinary Dentist – BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS (Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery) 
Diplomate, American Veterinary Dental College™

Hi, I’m Dr Bec Tucker, and my journey into veterinary dentistry has been unexpected yet incredibly fulfilling. In fact, dentistry wasn’t on my radar at all when I graduated with a BVSc (Hons) from the University of Sydney in 2007. I was fortunate to meet veterinarians who had found their passion for dentistry, and their encouragement and enthusiasm shifted my perspective. Through continuing education lectures and workshops, I went from not fancying dentistry and oral surgery to genuinely loving it.

FAQs

What is caudal malocclusion in cats?

It’s a traumatic bite problem where an upper tooth (usually the maxillary 4th premolar) impinges on soft tissue beside the lower molar, causing pain and sometimes periodontal disease—see the overview on Caudal Malocclusion in Cats and related background on Periodontal Disease.

Which cats are most at risk and what signs should I look for?

Persian, British Shorthair and Maine Coon cats are over‑represented. Some of the more typical findings include an ulcer under the mandibular molar, a gingival cleft or a proliferative “pyogenic granuloma”‑type lesion.

How is it fixed—odontoplasty or extraction?

First‑line treatment is odontoplasty of the upper 4th premolar (carefully reshaping the cusp and sealing exposed dentine with resin), with vital pulpotomy only if the pulp is entered. Extraction is a permanent but more invasive fallback and can increase mandibular molar periodontal risk because the self‑cleaning contact is lost.

Will my cat need anaesthesia and dental X‑rays?

Yes—these procedures are performed under general anaesthesia with specialist monitoring, and intra‑oral radiographs are standard to plan treatment and assess tooth/pulp health; see Complex Anaesthesia and Dental & Oral Imaging for more details.

What happens on the day, and what is recovery like?

Most patients are assessed and, where appropriate, treated and discharged the same afternoon, with clear home‑care instructions—see day‑of guidance in What to Expect. If extraction is required, most pets eat normally soon after. See Extractions to learn more.

Can the swollen tissue under the molar come back?

If a proliferative lesion is present, it may be resected and submitted for pathological examination. Resolving the traumatic contact (via odontoplasty or, if needed, extraction) is key to preventing recurrence.

Key Takeaways

What it is & why it hurts

A traumatic bite where an upper tooth (often the maxillary 4th premolar) impinges on soft tissue beside the lower molar, leading to painful ulcers/clefts or a proliferative lesion and risking periodontal disease.

Who’s most affected

Persian, British Shorthair and Maine Coon cats are over‑represented (though any breed can be affected), so early mouth checks in these breeds are a good idea.

When to extract

Extraction is a permanent but more invasive fallback if reshaping can’t remove trauma. It can increase periodontal risk for the mandibular molar by removing the self‑cleaning contact and may create new trauma points.

Tissue changes

Any proliferative tissue under the mandibular molar may be resected and submitted for pathology as part of definitive care.

Next steps

For Pet Owners

Are you concerned about your pet’s dental health? Call 1300 866 848 or fill out the contact form. We’ll coordinate with your primary vet to ensure the best outcome.

For Vets & Nurses

We’re here to help. If you’d like to refer a patient, please call us at 1300 866 848 , complete the referral form or email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

For advice and treatment guidance, email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

Refer a Patient Contact Us