What is the defining characteristic of stage 4b of feline tooth resorption?

Stage 4b of feline tooth resorption is characterized by the crown being more affected than the root. In this stage, the resorption process has progressed to a point where there is significant loss of dental structure, particularly in the crown of the tooth, leading to exposure of the underlying dental tissue. This can result in a more pronounced dental defect in the visible part of the tooth when examining the oral cavity.

In contrast, other stages or definitions may imply different levels of damage or affect the root structure more prominently. In stages where equal damage occurs, both the crown and root show similar levels of resorption, which is not the case in stage 4b. The notion of only enamel damage, as mentioned in one of the incorrect choices, does not align with stage 4b's severe damage, which exceeds superficial enamel issues to involve deeper layers. Overall, understanding this characteristic helps to identify the severity of dental issues in felines and underscores the importance of dental examinations in veterinary practice.