13 Sep Why We Don’t Offer Dental Implants for Dogs or Cats
Veterinary dentistry has made remarkable advancements in recent years, offering treatments previously reserved for humans. Professional cleanings, root canal therapies, periodontal surgeries, and even orthodontic corrections are now regularly performed on pets to improve their quality of life and overall health. While dental implants are widely accepted in human dentistry, they pose a unique challenge when applied to dogs and cats. Our goal is always to ensure that the care we provide is safe, effective, and necessary for your pet’s well-being.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are commonly used in human dentistry to replace missing teeth. These implants involve inserting a metal piece, usually made of titanium, into the jawbone to anchor a prosthetic tooth. In humans, this procedure can help maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth, restore chewing function, and improve overall oral health and appearance.
The question now being posed is: Should dogs and cats receive similar treatments? The resounding opinion of board-certified veterinary dentists is that dental implants are not appropriate in dogs and cats.
The Risks of Dental Implants in Pets
While dental implants are widely accepted in human dentistry, applying this procedure to pets is more complicated. Here are some key concerns:
- Different Oral Conditions: Pets, especially dogs and cats, have different chewing behaviors, dietary habits, and oral hygiene practices compared to humans. Chewing on hard objects like toys and bones creates additional stresses on implants, making long-term success less likely.
- Insufficient Evidence: Currently, there is little scientific evidence supporting the long-term safety and efficacy of dental implants in dogs and no peer reviewed research in cats. While studies involving implants in humans show high success rates, similar studies have not been adequately conducted for pets.
- Anesthesia and Multiple Procedures: Dental implants often require several surgeries, each involving general anesthesia. While modern veterinary anesthesia is generally safe, the risks associated with repeated procedures should not be taken lightly.
- Oral Hygiene Challenges: Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial for the success of dental implants. Pets typically do not receive the same level of care as humans, which increases the risk of infections like peri-implantitis, a condition that can lead to implant failure.
Are Implants Necessary for Pets?
One of the main arguments for dental implants is that they preserve the bone structure after tooth loss. However, evidence suggests that most pets, even after losing teeth, can live comfortably and enjoy normal activities such as eating and playing without the need for implants. In fact, many pets that undergo full dental extractions adapt well and show no signs of diminished quality of life.
For most pets, less invasive treatments like professional cleanings, extractions, and periodontal care provide sufficient relief and maintain excellent oral health.
What We Recommend
At Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery our priority is your pet’s health and comfort. While dental implants may sound like an appealing option, the risks and lack of long-term evidence is why we do not recommend or perform them in pets. Our goal is to offer treatments that are both safe and necessary for improving your pet’s quality of life.
If your pet is dealing with dental issues, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. Together, we can discuss the best course of action to ensure your pet enjoys a healthy, happy life.
Reference:
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.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/13/2024) Pexels
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/13/2024) Pexels