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Dental Implants provider, Dr. Seth Larson is blogging from Prescott, AZ today to talk to you a little bit about dental implants. I know what you’re thinking “wow, all you talk about is dental implants,” but I’m going to switch tracks a little bit and talk about dental implants in a totally different light. Did you know that with advancements in veterinary medicine you can actually get dental implants for your pets?
I know…the idea of having your pet undergo surgery for dental implants seems crazy. Even I admit that it seems a bit outlandish. Nonetheless, for some people, our pets are like our children. Chances are if your dog or cat is in oral pain, you’ll want to do anything in your power to make them healthy and comfortable.
I’ve never had a pet suffer from tooth loss or periodontitis, but if I did dental implants seem like a more logical solution than doggy dentures. However, dental implants for pets are still in their experimental phase, and not all vets are in agreeance of whether they’re good for our furry friends or not.
Benefits of Pet Dental Implants
The benefits of doggy dental implants are similar to the benefits found in human dental implants. They improve the quality of our pet’s lives by allowing them to do things they couldn’t otherwise do without teeth. What do I mean “improve their quality of life”? Well, you know, they can do more dog stuff, like, chew on toys, eat dry food, pick things up with their mouths.
The most important benefit of pet dental implants is that it prevents jaw bone loss. Just like in humans, a space left by a lost tooth causes bone shrinkage. If multiple teeth are lost, bone loss in the jaw is extended. Ergo, filling in the gaps with dental implants will strengthen your pet’s jaw.
Toothless dogs don’t actually suffer from that many eating problems, but they can look visually goofy. So, some dentists argue that dental implants will improve your dog’s self-esteem because it will keep their tongues from sticking out.
Risks of Pet Dental Implants
Dental implants require anesthesia, which can always pose potential risks. However, because dogs cannot maintain dental health to the extent that humans do, the biggest risks are long-term problems, like inadequate bone regrowth, inflammation, infection, or broken implants.
My Opinion on Dental Implants
The best way to take care of your pet’s oral health is through prevention. This means you should take your pet to the vet regularly and brush their teeth to fight gum disease and tartar buildup. I probably wouldn’t recommend dental implants for my dog until veterinary medicine decides to do a bit more research.
While I wouldn’t get dental implants for my pet, would I get dental implants if my kid lost a permanent tooth? Absolutely. Dental implants have a 98% success rate in humans and are one of the greatest technological advancements in dentistry.
Contact Us
Dental implants have not only changed the face of modern dentistry, but they have also changed the faces of countless toothless smiles. If you’re curious about dental implants, give us a call today for a free consultation at 928-237-9064.
Stay tuned into our blog for more amusing tidbits on oral health, and the procedures we offer at Larson and Larson Dentistry.
