Alveolar osteitis

Alveolar osteitis is a common cause for the appearance of gingival swelling adjacent to the upper or lower canine teeth.  The condition is often associated with periodontitis.  The alveolar bone (tooth socket) becomes inflamed, infected and appears enlarged.  The gingiva is often red, inflammed and edematous (swollen).

Treatment for alveolar osteitis

Dental extraction is often the best treatment however each case needs to be evaluated independently.

Most cats with alveolar osteitis have lost a substantial amount of periodontal tissue support.  Many of these cats have stage 3 or 4 of periodontal disease.  Learn more about periodontal disease and staging.  These teeth may appear "super-erupted" or protruding from the alveolus (tooth socket).

We have seen frantic cats with their mouths in a locked open position and they are unable to close the mouth.  This is due to the tooth becoming malpositioned and entrapped with another tooth or with bone.

When the teeth are malpositioned or luxated, they may cause an "audible clicking" or "grinding sound" and may cause cats to salivate excessively.




This lower left canine tooth appears to
have gingival inflammation and swelling.



The bony tissue appears enlarged.
A periodontal probe demonstrated
a 9 mm periodontal pocket.  The
tooth was extracted and the surgical
defect was sutured closed.




This right upper canine tooth appeared
to have a similar gingival buldge.



The tooth was surgically extracted.



The alveolus (tooth socket) had a lot
of granulation (inflammed) tissue and
debris.



The alveolus was curreted clean of debris.



The surgical defect was sutured closed.



Another view.  Note the buldge is gone
as alveolectomy and alveoplasty was
performed to smooth bony edges for
patient comfort.

Cat Dental Care

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