Root tip abscesses in cats

Root tip abscess, or root tip abscess as it is also called, occurs when the tooth roots become infected. A common cause is a tooth fracture with exposed pulp that has given bacteria the opportunity to get down to the root. Here you can read about common symptoms of root tip abscess and how it is treated.

What causes a root tip abscess?

Root tip abscess can be caused by a tooth that has come off (fractured) or infection in the supporting tissue of the tooth.

Symptoms of root tip abscess

A root tip abscess is very painful for a cat. However, cats do not always show that they are in pain in their mouths, which can make it difficult to detect that something is wrong. You may notice your cat behaving a little strangely, for example salivating a lot and only chewing on one side of the mouth, where it hurts the least.

It's possible their face may begin to swell and a root abscess may open on the face, depending on which tooth is affected. An abscess in a canine tooth in the upper jaw, for example, can open just below the eye. This can be mistaken for a simple skin ulcer.

Always contact a veterinarian if your cat's tooth has fallen out.

How root tip abscess is treated

The most common treatment is to remove the tooth. The vet may first need to x-ray the tooth to confirm the diagnosis and in some cases the tooth can be filled with a root canal. Medicine and in some cases antibiotics are given to reduce the inflammation and pain.

If the root tip abscess has arisen as a result of another disease in the oral cavity, for example periodontitis or TR, this disease should also be treated.

Check your cat's teeth regularly

Check your cat's teeth regularly to detect changes in time. Brushing your cat's teeth regularly is a good way to prevent inflammation and infections in the mouth.