Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesion (FORL)

​Feline Tooth Resorption is a very painful process in which areas of a tooth dissolve, exposing the underlying nerve. While this condition is relatively uncommon in dogs, it is very common in cats. To date, epidemiological studies have yet to find a cause for this disease, but genetics, diet, and inflammation have all been theorized to play a role. If your pet allows for a thorough oral examination during a wellness exam, our veterinarians will be able to identify resorptive lesions that are present on the crown of the tooth, the exposed portion of the tooth above the gum line. However, some resorptive lesions only occur below the gum line and can only be detected by x-rays. This is why we always take complete dental x-rays during a dental procedure. Due to the painful nature of tooth resorption, extraction of resorbing teeth is highly recommended.