Root tip abscesses in cats

A root tip abscess is an infection in the root of your cat’s tooth. It usually happens due to a fractured tooth or another dental issue, which lets bacteria in and infect the root. Catching it early and getting treatment is important to relieve your furry friend's pain and prevent any complications.

What causes a root tip abscess?

A root tip abscess can develop when a tooth fractures, exposing the pulp to bacteria, or an infection occurs in the surrounding tissue of the tooth. Conditions like periodontal disease or tooth resorption (TR) can also lead to root abscesses.

Common locations for dental abscess in cats

Dental abscesses often show up around the upper canine teeth. If one of those teeth gets infected, you might see some swelling below the eye. It can look like a skin issue, but it’s actually related to the dental problem.

Symptoms of a root tip abscess

Cats are brave souls – at least on the outside – and often hide signs of pain, making it tricky to detect a dental issue. Here are some signs that could suggest there’s a problem:

• Drooling or excessive salivation.
• Chewing on one side of the mouth.
• Swelling around the face, particularly below the eye.
• Avoiding food or losing appetite.
• Bad breath (halitosis).

In severe cases, the abscess can rupture, creating an open wound on the face.

Complications from root tip abscesses

Seeing a vet promptly for a suspected root tip abscess is crucial for your cat's health. Delaying treatment can lead to severe complications, such as the infection spreading to the surrounding tissues, jawbone, or even infections that affect the entire body.

Untreated abscesses can cause chronic pain, tooth loss, and long-term dental problems. In some cases, the infection can lead to conditions like osteomyelitis, which is an infection of the bone. Additionally, a prolonged infection may weaken your cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to other health issues.

Diagnosing a root tip abscess

A root tip abscess can be tricky to diagnose without a thorough examination. As mentioned, cats often hide dental pain, so vets may rely on several methods to confirm the problem.

During the examination, the vet will inspect your cat’s mouth for visible signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or pus around the affected tooth. They may also check for loose teeth, fractured teeth, or areas of tenderness. To get a clearer picture of what’s happening beneath the gum line, the vet may take dental x-rays, or use a probe to gently explore this area.

Once the extent of the infection is confirmed, the vet will use this information to create a treatment plan.

Treatment for a root tip abscess

The usual treatment involves removing the infected tooth. In some cases, a root canal may be an option to save the tooth. Your vet will prescribe pain relief and possibly antibiotics to reduce inflammation and fight infection.

If the abscess results from another dental issue like periodontal disease, that will also need treatment to prevent further infections.

Can root tip abscesses be prevented?

By keeping your cat’s teeth clean, you can help prevent infections that lead to abscesses. Some ways you can reduce the risk of abscesses include:

• Regularly brushing your cat’s teeth to remove plaque (under your vet’s directions).
• Providing dental care products recommended by your vet.
• Scheduling regular dental check-ups for your cat.

Cat tooth abscess treatment cost

Treatment varies based on the severity of the infection and the procedure. In the UK, costs may range between £200-£500 depending on whether a tooth extraction or root canal is needed. If anesthesia is required, or complications need sorting, this may push the cost up further.

Cat insurance can help cover the costs of many types of dental work, which may include treatments for root tip abscesses, ensuring your cat receives timely care without financial stress to you. 

Home care for cat tooth abscess

Never attempt to treat an abscess at home without consulting your vet. Over-the-counter remedies may worsen the condition. For any suspected tooth abscess, always contact your vet promptly to avoid complications.