
Home treatments include using water in the cat’s food to soften it and brushing its teeth daily to prevent plaque build up. Whether or not surgery is warranted depends on what stage the condition is in. At stage 1, surgery is considered optional. However, beginning with stage 2, removal of the teeth or crown reductions are often necessary. To reduce the crown, a dental drill is used to grind the tooth down below the gums. The gums are then surgically closed above it. Beginning with stage 3, surgery is needed. At stages 4 and 5, extraction is required, along with additional work on any other affected areas.
Because the causes of feline odontoclastic tooth resorption are not known, there is no way to guarantee a cat will not have a problem. However, daily brushing, coupled with annual cleanings will go a long way towards keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy.