You probably don’t spend that much time thinking about your dog’s teeth, but you should! Just like us, our dogs can experience dental issues like tooth loss, decay, or injury that may impact their ability to eat, play, and live comfortably.
Preventative measures, like brushing to reduce plaque on dog’s teeth or using the best dental chews for dogs go a long way in protecting your dog’s oral health and preventing expensive, invasive surgery or dental treatments, but sometimes these treatments are necessary.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about dental implants for dogs. Can dogs get dental implants? What do dog dental implants cost? And most importantly, are there better options for your dog’s oral care? Here’s what all pet owners need to know about dental implants for dogs.
Can Dogs Get Dental Implants?
First of all, can dogs get dental implants, or are those only for people? The short answer is yes - there are dental implants for dogs, but they’re not quite the same as ours. Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Dental Implants for Dogs?
Dental implants for dogs are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials, like titanium, that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to support a prosthetic tooth. This solution mimics the natural structure of a tooth, restoring both its function and appearance.
The procedure typically involves multiple stages, from inserting the implant into your dog’s jaw to placing the final crown once the bone has integrated with the implant. It’s not particularly common, but it is done in some cases.
Why Might a Dog Need a Dental Implant?
When can dogs get dental implants? If your dog has lost a tooth due to injury, periodontal disease, or some other dental problem, they may need a dental implant. Missing teeth can lead to issues with chewing, jaw or gum pain, or even infections.
Plus, dental implants can help prevent shifting of nearby teeth and deterioration of the jawbone, which can occur when a tooth is lost, and may also allow you to keep your dog on their standard diet after they lose a tooth.
Eligibility of Dogs for Dental Implants
Not all dogs are candidates for dental implants. Eligibility depends on factors like the dog's age, health, and the condition of their jawbone. Older dogs with significant bone loss may not be suitable candidates, as the implant needs a healthy amount of bone to anchor into.
So, how can dogs get dental implants, and who decides? Generally, a vet will conduct a thorough exam, including X-rays, to assess whether a dog is a good fit for implants.
How Dental Implants Differ for Dogs vs Humans
Do they do dog dental implants the same way they would for us? The overall concept of dental implants is similar for dogs and humans, but there are a few differences in the approach. Dogs may not need implants for cosmetic reasons, but rather for functional purposes.
The surgical procedure and materials used are similar to human dental implants, but there are differences in the healing times and aftercare protocols due to the differences in canine and human teeth, gums, and jaws.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants for Dogs
Can dogs get dental implants? Yes. But should they? Not always. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of dental implants in dogs, and why they’re not always the best solution.
Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is that they restore full functionality to your dog’s mouth. Dogs use their teeth not only to eat but also to play and chew. A dental implant allows them to regain these abilities without the limitations that often come with missing teeth.
Also, when a dog loses a tooth, the surrounding teeth may begin to shift into the empty space, leading to misalignment and other oral health issues. A dental implant helps maintain the position of neighbouring teeth, preserving the overall structure of your dog’s mouth.
And finally, unlike dentures or other temporary fixes, dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution. Once implanted and healed, they can last for years with proper care, meaning fewer visits to the vet and a lower likelihood of needing additional procedures down the line.
Risks
As with any surgery, dental implant procedures come with some risks. Infection, improper healing, or failure of the implant to integrate with the bone can occur. The surgery requires general anesthesia, which carries extra risks, especially for older or medically compromised dogs.
Another major drawback is just how much dental implants for dogs cost. The procedure can be very expensive, ranging from several hundred to thousands of dollars. Plus, follow-up care and routine checkups can add to the overall expense.
The healing and recovery time can also be a long process, as it requires time for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. During healing, dogs must avoid hard foods and toys, which can be challenging for active pets.
How Much Do Dog Dental Implants Cost?
As we already mentioned, one of the major downsides is the cost of dental implants for dogs - it’s much more expensive than the regular cost of dog dental cleaning. So, just how much do dog dental implants cost? Let’s take a look.
Factors That Affect the Dog Dental Implants Cost
The cost of dental implants for dogs can vary depending on your location (clinics in large cities tend to be more expensive), and the vet specialist. Board-certified veterinary dentists with advanced training typically charge more, but their experience can also reduce the risk of complications.
The total cost also depends on how many implants your dog needs. Replacing a single tooth will be less expensive than multiple implants, but each additional implant increases the complexity and length of the procedure.
Because dogs must be under general anesthesia for dental implant surgery, the cost of anesthesia, along with the total surgical time, plays a significant role in the total expense. This includes both the anesthesia and the monitoring provided by veterinary staff.
And finally, dental implants require follow-up appointments to ensure the implant is healing properly and integrating with the jawbone. These visits, plus any medications or special care required during the healing process, are additional costs to factor in.
How Much Dental Implants for Dogs Cost on Average
On average, the cost of a dental implant for dogs can range from $1,000 to $4,000 per tooth. This includes the initial consultation, imaging, anesthesia, surgery, and follow-up care. In some cases, the cost can be even higher depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Is it Worth it?
Compared to other dental treatments, such as extractions or dentures, dental implants are a more expensive but longer-lasting option. For dogs that rely heavily on their teeth for chewing and playing, a dental implant might be worth it.
Implants also help to maintain your dog’s jawbone health and prevent further dental complications, making them a more comprehensive treatment compared to alternatives like dentures or extractions.
Ultimately, it’s up to you. There’s no denying that this is an extremely expensive treatment, so it’s important to really consider whether it’s something your dog needs. If you’re not sure, a veterinary dentist can help answer your questions and provide a professional opinion.
Where Do They Do Dog Dental Implants Near You?
Do they do dog dental implants near you? Almost definitely! Not all vets offer these, though, so it might take you a while to find a location in your area.
Finding Veterinary Dental Specialists
Your regular vet is the best place to start when looking for a veterinary dental specialist. They can provide referrals to trusted vet dentists in your area. Many regular vet clinics don’t perform complex procedures like dental implants, but they often have networks of specialists they can recommend.
Questions to Ask Before Scheduling the Procedure
This is a significant procedure, and it comes with a serious price tag, so it’s important to be 100% confident that this is the right answer for your pup before you go ahead with it. Make sure you have answers to these questions before scheduling the surgery:
- What experience does the clinic/vet dentist have with dental implants for dogs?
- How will the procedure work for your dog?
- What are the risks involved?
- How much will the total cost be?
- What kind of aftercare will be needed?
- Is this the right choice for your dog?
Don’t be afraid to talk to a few different veterinary dentists - for a procedure like this it’s often better to have more than one opinion.
Are There Better Alternatives to Dog Dental Implants?
Given how much dental implants for dogs cost, how invasive the surgery is, and how long the recovery time is, are there better options out there? Let’s take a look.
Standard Canine Oral Care Measures
One of the best ways to avoid the need for dental implants is to protect your dog’s oral health from an early age. When it comes to dental disease prevention for dogs, dog dental chews are a great place to start. And here at Mighty Munch, we have the best dental chews out there!
Our dental chews are coated with a powerful dog probiotic that fights bad bacteria and improves your dog’s oral health. As they chew the dental stick, it scrubs plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth, preventing the severe stages of dental disease in dogs.
Like all Mighty Munch Australian dog supplements, our dental chews are formulated by vets, manufactured here in Australia, safe for all breeds and ages, and free from harmful additives or fillers. Plus, they deliver real results!
For more tips on dental chews and how to use them for at-home oral care, check out these guides:
- When can you give puppies dental chews
- How many dental chews can a dog have a day
- Are dental sticks bad for dogs
- What are dog dental chews made of
- How to soften dog dental chews
- What do dental chews do for dogs
- Are dental chews good for dogs teeth
- How do dog dental sticks work
Brushing your dog’s teeth with toothpaste is often thought of as the best way to keep dogs teeth clean at home, but most dogs aren’t fond of this at all, and it can be quite uncomfortable. How often should you brush your dog’s teeth? Daily is ideal, but it’s rarely realistic.
When it comes to brushing dogs teeth vs dental chews, dental chews shouldn’t replace brushing, but a daily dental chew for consistent oral care does mean that you don’t need to stress about brushing your dog’s teeth as frequently.
There are also additives you can put in your dog’s water, but do dental water additives for dogs work? They’re easy to use, but they’re not as effective at removing plaque and tartar as dental chews or brushing.
Dental Bridges for Dogs
Dental bridges are a cheaper, non-invasive alternative to dental implants, but not as durable. A dental bridge uses the surrounding healthy teeth to support an artificial tooth that fills the gap where the missing tooth used to be. A dental bridge is a functional replacement that doesn’t require surgery.
Dog Dentures or Removable Devices
Dog dentures, or removable dental devices, are another option for pets who have lost multiple teeth. These removable prosthetics are designed to fit into your dog’s mouth and can be taken out for cleaning. They are typically used when several teeth are missing and the dog needs help chewing.
Tooth Extraction and No Replacement
Many dogs adapt well to living with a missing tooth, especially if it is not a critical tooth used for chewing or playing. If the missing tooth is not affecting their ability to eat or their overall health, extraction without replacement may be the simplest and most cost-effective choice.
Wrapping Up Our Dog Dental Implants Cost Guide
So, can dogs get dental implants? Yes, but it’s an expensive, invasive, painful procedure with a long recovery time. Rather than waiting until it’s too late, start protecting your dog’s oral health today to prevent the need for extractions or dental implants.
One of the best solutions for daily doggy oral care is Mighty Munch dental chews. Our natural, potent dental sticks scrub plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth, and freshen their breath at the same time. All it takes is one dental chew a day for healthier, stronger teeth!
For more tips on canine oral care, take a look at our guides on how to whiten dogs teeth, DIY dog dental chews, and are bones good for dogs teeth.
