Is That Facial Swelling in Your Senior Cat a Tooth Root Abscess, or Something More Serious?

A swollen face or jaw in a cat is often assumed to be a simple tooth root abscess, but in cats over the age of ten, this same swelling is frequently the first visible sign of oral cancer, most commonly squamous cell carcinoma. These tumors can look and feel deceptively similar to an infection, which is why facial swelling in an older cat should never be treated with antibiotics alone. Our board-certified veterinary dentist performs thorough oral exams, dental radiographs, and biopsies to accurately diagnose the cause of facial swelling and determine the safest, most effective treatment path for your cat.