Dental hygiene is one of the best ways to protect a dog’s teeth and gums from becoming damaged and needing extraction.
Regular professional cleanings by a veterinary dental technician combined with at-home care will keep your pup’s pearly whites strong, healthy, and pain-free for years to come.
However, if you don’t care about your dog’s dental hygiene, it may develop problems like canine periodontal disease. It is a disease in which bacteria can infect your dog’s oral cavity and lead to gum erosion and loss of teeth.
Bad breath, tartar, and red inflammation along the gum line are all common indicators of canine periodontal disease. Other indications include bleeding on the gums, a loose or missing tooth, and an obvious gap between the gums and teeth.
If your dog is missing a few teeth due to this disease, you may have heard about doggy dentures. These are nothing but fake teeth to help your canine friend.
Much like human dentures, dog dentures offer an alternative to missing teeth and allow dogs to eat. But there are some key distinctions between human and canine dentures, so always consult your veterinarian before considering getting dentures for your pup.
Need to know more about doggy dentures, continue reading this article.
Doggy Dentures – All You Need To Know
When your pup is missing multiple teeth or has broken one or more, dentures may be necessary. This term originates in French and translates to “false tooth.” Doggy dentures are artificial teeth made of acrylic or metal that can be placed in the mouth to replace lost ones. They’re known as dentures because they fill in any spaces left by missing teeth while restoring chewing and jaw function.
Now, dog dentures are different from human ones. Human dentures are removable prosthetics that you can remove or put in anytime you want. These types of dentures are not practical for dogs as they would simply fall out.
So, it is not advisable to get dentures for your dog. On the other hand, you can always go for dental implants. They are safer and often permanently fitted into your dog’s mouth to avoid any problems. When it comes to dogs, people often use the term dentures interchangeably with implants.
Doggy dentures are nothing but implants, as removable dentures are not available or suitable for dogs. Some online articles about dog dentures may be misleading since they appear to be conflating dentures with tooth implants. The main problem is this confusion between the two.
Although it is unclear whether doggie dentures have been successfully made, there have been reports of their existence dating back to 1938. However, little information is available on their efficacy or how they functioned, if at all. It is possible that they were merely novelty items.
Despite claims made in internet articles about dog dentures being real, a thorough search of the internet reveals that no company offers such a service. However, tooth implants are a viable option for dogs.
Do They Make Dentures For Dogs?
If you’re curious about whether dogs can get dentures, the answer is no, they cannot. However, tooth implants for dogs are a viable option. The confusion between dentures and tooth implants seems to be the main issue, with some online articles mistakenly claiming that doggy dentures are real.
Indeed, dental implants are possible for dogs, but it is not a common procedure, which means it may be challenging to find a veterinarian who performs it. The process of fitting dentures for dogs is also expensive and carries potential risks, and dogs may have difficulty adjusting to wearing false teeth in their mouths.
In 1938, the United States reported the first-ever use of false teeth for dogs. However, the practice did not become popular and is still considered rare today. It is interesting to speculate why dog owners did not adopt the habit of fitting their dogs with dentures.
The primary reason why fitting dogs with false teeth is not a common practice among veterinarians today is the concern over the dogs’ ability to adapt to them. Additionally, there is the risk of accidents where the dentures could be swallowed, adding to the difficulty of the procedure. The cost is also a significant factor to consider.
Some veterinarians are in favor of performing pet dental implant procedures, but not all offer this service. If your usual veterinarian does not perform dental implant procedures, you may need to search for a veterinarian who does.
Although dentures for dogs are not a practical solution, there are still ways to prevent your pet from losing teeth. Various products are available on the market designed specifically to address oral hygiene in dogs and cats. These products have proven to be highly effective in treating and preventing dental issues.
You can prevent your pet from needing dentures by taking good care of their teeth. There are various products available that are specifically designed to maintain oral hygiene in dogs and cats. Toothbrushes made for pets, along with toothpaste, can effectively remove plaque and tartar, the leading causes of tooth and gum disease.
You can also use dental sprays and chew toys to help maintain teeth and gums. Remember, prevention is better than cure, so by utilizing a combination of these options, you can keep your pet’s teeth healthy and avoid the need for dentures.
Understanding False Teeth for Dogs
Dental disease is a very common and widespread health issue for dogs and cats alike. Estimates suggest that 85-90% of all dogs and cats over six years of age have some degree of tooth decay or gum disease.
Plaque, composed of bacteria and dead cells, can be detrimental to pets’ health. As such, many veterinarians suggest brushing pets’ teeth regularly in order to prevent dental disease and maintain their mouths in good condition.
Fortunately, there are a variety of products available to help owners keep their pet’s teeth clean and healthy. These include toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental sprays, and chew toys.
Some vets may suggest using false dog teeth to replace missing teeth. These false teeth can be attached to a metal post that’s implanted into your dog’s jawbone, effectively replacing the root of that missing tooth.
Placing fake teeth varies from dentist to dentist, but most involve getting your dog under general anesthetic and making an incision into their gum. Once that’s done, the vet will drill a hole into their jawbone.
Once the hole has been drilled, the vet will insert a titanium screw that fits into the dog’s bone. Over time, this screw will become fused to its host bone and become strong enough to secure fake teeth in place.
This procedure can be expensive and time-consuming, but it’s an effective way to restore your dog’s bite after tooth loss. It may even be combined with another oral surgery procedure to address the underlying issue that caused tooth loss.
Implants not only offer a practical solution to an issue, but they can also be aesthetically pleasing. They mimic the shape of natural teeth in dogs and tend to blend in with their mouth for a more pleasing aesthetic.
However, dog owners should not rush into fitting their pup with dentures, as these can be uncomfortable and not always suitable for their canine’s bite. It’s best to wait a few months and see if the dog’s mouth heals before proceeding with this procedure.
Reasons to Get Your Dog Fake Teeth
- Stop teeth from migrating to fit the hole
- Helps to maintain the bone height
- May stop bone loss in the jaw
- They help the dog chew hard food
- Improves mastication of food
- Cosmetics and aesthetics
Reasons Not to Get Your Dog Fake Teeth
- A dog may need to be put under general anesthetic
- Implants can cause a number of issues
- Implants can only be successful with strict dental care
- Dogs missing teeth don’t often have problems
Doggy Dentures Commercial
Pedigree, the famous dog food brand, has marketed its new product Dentastix as an oral-care treat for dogs to promote healthy teeth and gums. They have used doggy dentures commercials to market this treat. In the commercial, you can see different types of dogs smiling and showing off their dentures.
The commercial throws light on dental issues faced by dogs and how Dentastix can help you prevent this problem by removing tartar buildup from your dog’s teeth. It sarcastically implies that if you don’t maintain dental hygiene in your dog, it will eventually need dog dentures.
What Exactly Is Dentastix, and How Can It Help Your Dog?
Pedigree’s Dentastix (affiliate link) is a chew stick for dogs. These innovative treats provide a state-of-the-art solution for dental issues with their X-shaped chewy texture, designed specifically to clean between your dog’s teeth and down towards their gum line. Clinically proven to reduce tartar buildup by 80% and freshen breath, these treats offer an effective solution.
The company claims X-shaped treats are an effective and natural way to keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean, with their mint flavor perfect for combatting bad breath. Furthermore, these easy-to-digest treats can be fed regularly to your pup.
Giving your pup a dental chew every day is recommended as they act as natural toothbrushes for their teeth. For optimal results, always brush their teeth after giving them the chew with active ingredients from a dental treat.
They also offer a toothpaste specifically made for pets that helps remove plaque and tartar buildup. This toothpaste is alcohol-free and can be used as part of your dog’s regular oral care routine.
This toothpaste helps combat bad breath and is made from natural ingredients. You can spray it directly on your pet’s gums and teeth or add it to their water – safe enough to use daily. Additionally, regular usage helps prevent tartar buildup, gum disease, and plaque buildup.
For optimal dental health, using toothbrushes and toothpaste specifically designed for your pet, along with oral care toys and chews, will help to keep your dog’s teeth and gums strong. Utilizing these products and practicing good dental hygiene will reduce the need for dog dentures.
How Much Do Dog Dentures Cost?
If your canine has lost teeth, you may be wondering how much dog dentures cost. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t straightforward, and much depends on your veterinarian’s discretion.
On average, it can cost anywhere around $3,000 per tooth for doggy dental implants.
Tooth loss is a very common occurrence in dogs, and while it’s an inevitable part of life, it can have serious repercussions if left untreated. Gum disease and dental issues are two common culprits.
Preventing dental issues begins with proper oral hygiene. Regular brushings with specially designed pet brushes, dental sprays, and chew toys will help guard against cavities, tooth resorption (when enamel erodes away), and gum disease.
You can take your pup for regular dental cleanings at most veterinarians. Most will offer package pricing for this procedure, which usually includes an oral exam and X-rays, as well as scaling of the teeth.
Some veterinarians may even suggest dental implants for pets. Implants are titanium screws placed in the jaw where a missing tooth was, helping to stop the bone loss that could weaken and cause injuries.
Dental implants are a relatively recent treatment option for dogs. They are used to replace missing teeth and restore your pup’s ability to chew food properly.
The cost of dental implants for dogs varies significantly depending on the veterinarian and practice, as well as the size of the animal. It’s often a multi-step procedure with preparatory procedures like bone grafting that add to costs.
- First, x-rays will be taken to determine whether your dog has enough bone in their jaw for an implant. If not, bone grafting may be required to add that extra support.
- Once the graft is placed, your veterinarian will insert a titanium screw into the bone where the tooth is missing. This requires time for it to fuse with the bone – usually taking six months.
- Once the bone has fused together, your vet will insert a ceramic tooth that functions as an abutment over the implant. This artificial tooth will look and feel just like natural enamel, with all of its benefits.
Conclusion
Maintaining your pet’s dental hygiene is beneficial, especially when they are young and healthy, so any issues don’t develop.
Investing in dental care for your pet may seem expensive, but it will ultimately save you from an expensive vet bill down the line. In the long run, it will help you save thousands of dollars for doggy dentures or implants.
Fake teeth for dogs are not only expensive but may pose potential risks, so make sure you maintain proper dental hygiene in your dog from a young age.
Sources
Tannebaum, J; Arzi, B; Reiter, AM; et. al. The case against the use of dental implants in dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013; 243(12):1680-85. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24299535/
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years, I’ve tried many different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have the utmost praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that it requires a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
