Click to Skip Ahead
If humans lose teeth, their dentists can provide dental implants to replace them. If a dog loses teeth, will they be toothless forever? Thankfully, they don’t have to be. Some veterinarians now offer pet dental implants. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the cost of dog tooth implants and if one will benefit your pup.
The Importance of Dog Tooth Implants
The biggest benefit of getting dental implants for your dog is that they can prevent jaw bone loss. The bones can shrink in all directions from the space left when a tooth is extracted. If your dog were to lose several teeth in one area, the bone loss that could occur would be significant. Another benefit is that they can limit the tooth’s movement and reduce root exposure.
Implants efficiently restore the chewing function since they act like normal teeth. When teeth are missing, your dog will be limited in what he can chew. This could lead to further periodontal issues with the rest of their teeth. It is important to note that dental implants for dogs are relatively new. There seems to be conflicting information online about whether or not implants are safe for use in canines.
Some studies suggest that dogs that lose single or multiple teeth can still function fully without impacting their quality of life, begging the question of whether or not it’s worthwhile for owners to spend the money on implants. We recommend reviewing the procedure with your vet to determine if getting an implant would benefit your dog.
How Much Do Dog Tooth Implants Cost?
The process of putting in a dental implant is complex. Your vet will first need to take a radiograph to determine the bone’s condition and whether or not your dog will also need a bone graft. If a bone graft is necessary, your vet will take the bone and insert it into your dog’s gum tissues. They will then allow the area to recover and give your dog’s body time to assimilate it. This process can take several months.
Once there is sufficient bone to support the implant, the process can begin. Your vet will put your dog under anesthesia so they can install a titanium screw into the implant area. You will need to wait for another 3 to 6 months from this point to see if your dog’s body will integrate the screw with the rest of their jawbone. The screw is essentially an artificial root.
Once the screw has been integrated, the ceramic tooth will go on top of the implant. Since the process is so complex, it’s expensive. There are a few factors that go into determining the final price of a dental implant. The size of your dog and the size of the implant will be the biggest determiners of cost. The larger your dog and the bigger the implant, the pricier the procedure will be. Larger dogs will also need more sedatives and anesthesia, driving the price up even further.
Finding cost estimates for implants online is incredibly difficult since this procedure is new and not performed often. VetInfo.com provides a conservative estimate for a single implant at $2,000. To receive a more precise estimate, contact your local veterinary office, as prices for veterinary care can vary greatly from state to state and vet to vet.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
A dental implant will require anesthesia and X-rays at a minimum. If you need a tooth pulled before the implant, you must also pay for the extraction. Pawlicy Advisor lists the average price of a canine X-ray at $150–$250. Most dogs will need sedation to take the images properly. Larger dogs will need more sedatives than smaller ones, driving up the price of the X-ray.
The cost of anesthesia will vary greatly depending on your dog’s size and how much medication they need. According to Pawlicy Advisor, you can expect to pay around $90 for smaller dogs and up to $1,200 for large breeds. Simple tooth extractions can cost $10–$15, while more difficult ones cost up to $25. While the extraction price is low, remember you’ll need to pay for X-rays and anesthesia on top of the tooth removal price.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog Dental Implant?
Pet insurance is a great investment for dog owners since it can offset some of the costs of expensive veterinary treatments. Some pet insurance policies provide dental coverage, but most plans only cover the bare essentials, such as extractions, root canals, and crowns, or conditions like gum disease and gingivitis.
However, the providers will not reimburse for services related to pre-existing dental conditions, cosmetic services like caps, implants, or fillings, and routine care like exams and cleaning.
How Do I Keep My Dog’s Teeth Healthy?
The best way to prevent dental disease is to brush your dog’s teeth every day. Doing so will minimize the bacteria that linger in their mouth and reduce the amount of plaque that builds up. If plaque stays on their teeth too long, it will thicken and turn into tartar. Tartar attracts more plaque to stick to it and can cause gingivitis.
Dog chew toys and treats can also reduce plaque. Look for softer toys like rubber balls or toys in which you can hide treats. Filling those toys with dental treats will provide even more dental protection. Some pet food companies also manufacture food specifically meant to improve dental health. These foods essentially scrub your dog’s teeth as they chew. You can talk to your vet before changing your dog to a new food.
Summing Up
Dog tooth implants are a pricy investment, but they can be helpful for some dogs. Since this procedure is so new, not much is known about the long-term success of dental implants in dogs. If you think your pup will benefit from an implant, talk to your vet for advice. They may refer you to a specialist if your dog needs an implant, and you may have to travel if the procedure is not used in your area.
Featured Image Credit: YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV, Shutterstock
