Tooth Root Abscesses in Dogs and Cats

At Eastcott Referrals, our Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (DOMS) team provides advanced, specialist care for pets suffering from tooth root abscesses. This painful and often serious condition requires expert diagnosis and treatment to relieve discomfort, prevent complications, and restore oral health.

Our team works closely with referring veterinary professionals to deliver a seamless, tailored service for pets affected by this common but complex dental issue.

What is a Tooth Root Abscess?

A tooth root abscess is an infection that develops deep within the supporting structures of a tooth. It usually occurs when bacteria gain access to the tooth’s inner pulp, typically via:

  • Fractured or broken teeth exposing the pulp chamber
  • Advanced periodontal (gum) disease allowing bacteria to reach the root
  • Tooth resorption, particularly in cats, where normal tooth structures break down
  • Pulp death, which may occur after trauma or chronic infection

Once bacteria establish within the root, pus begins to accumulate, leading to inflammation, pain and often swelling of the surrounding tissues. If left untreated, the infection can spread and cause more widespread health problems.

Clinical Signs to Look Out For

Pets with a tooth root abscess may show various signs, which can sometimes be subtle. Common symptoms include:

  • Facial swelling, particularly beneath the eye or along the jaw
  • Obvious discomfort or pain when eating
  • Reluctance to chew hard foods or dropping food from the mouth
  • Foul-smelling breath (halitosis)
  • Draining tracts or visible pus in the mouth or on the face
  • Pawing at the mouth or face, or general irritability

Prompt assessment is essential if any of these signs are present, as untreated abscesses can lead to serious oral and systemic issues.

Our Diagnostic Approach

At Eastcott Referrals, we adopt a comprehensive approach to diagnosing tooth root abscesses to ensure all underlying issues are identified. This includes:

  • Thorough oral examination, often under general anaesthesia to allow detailed inspection
  • Dental radiographs, essential for visualising the tooth roots and surrounding bone for signs of infection and bone loss
  • Advanced imaging (CT scans) where appropriate, to assess the extent of infection and plan surgical procedures if necessary

This detailed evaluation enables our team to make informed decisions about the most appropriate treatment for each patient.

Treatment Options

Each case is carefully assessed, and the treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient’s needs. Common treatments include:

Tooth Extraction

Removing the affected tooth is often the most reliable method to eliminate the source of infection and resolve pain. Extraction is particularly recommended when:

  • The tooth is extensively damaged or non-viable
  • The surrounding bone is severely compromised
  • There is a risk of ongoing or recurrent infection

Our experienced surgical team ensures that extractions are performed with precision and care, with thorough post-operative support.

Root Canal Therapy

In some cases, where tooth preservation is preferable and the tooth structure remains viable, root canal treatment may be considered. This involves:

  • Removing infected pulp material
  • Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the root canal
  • Filling and sealing the space to prevent reinfection

Root canal treatment can allow strategic or functionally important teeth to be retained while eliminating the infection.

Post-Treatment Care and Follow-Up

At Eastcott, care does not end when the procedure is complete. We provide clear post-operative guidance and support, including:

  • Pain management protocols to ensure comfort during recovery
  • Antibiotics where appropriate to clear any residual infection
  • Dietary advice, often recommending soft food during the healing phase
  • Home care recommendations for oral hygiene
  • Scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and assess success

Our team is always available to support referring vets and pet owners during this phase to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Referring to Eastcott Referrals

Tooth root abscesses can be extremely painful and require timely, specialist intervention. Our Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team welcomes referrals for all cases, from straightforward extractions to complex surgical or endodontic management.

Veterinary professionals can refer cases easily through our online system or contact us directly for pre-referral advice and guidance.

At Eastcott Referrals, we are committed to providing compassionate, expert care for pets with dental disease and supporting referring vets every step of the way.