Opinion is divided on the benefits that dental implants may or may not have for a pet. While there are some veterinary dentists who advocate teeth replacement for pets, arguing that they are as helpful for pets as they have proven to be in humans, there are other pet health experts who are uncertain. Eight veterinary dentists weighed in on the matter in a commentary published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Read on to learn what various experts have to say about this procedure.

In humans, dental implants are almost a routine procedure, boasting a 90 to 95 percent success rate. If a lost tooth does not get replaced, the next teeth over might start to move into the gap, which could cause those teeth to fall out as well, or to get in the way of chewing. With a dental implant, these risks are removed, and it also keeps the jaw bone from deteriorating. Not to mention, dental implants help people feel more confident in their appearance, a boost to psychological well-being.

So do any of these benefits translate into pet health? Experts are not sure. According to the published commentary, there is not really evidence to show that dental implants are even safe for a pet, much less that they help their health in any way. The reality is, the only studies on dogs for this matter were conducted on animals in the lab, which is not exactly testing this procedure on a slice of real life. The animals in the study did not get fed various types of food and they did not have chew toys. They also did not have the opportunity to grab and pull on things, actions that a dog typically engages in. So as of yet there is no way of knowing how dental implants would fare in a normal pet.

Another fault with the study is that the dogs that were tested did not have periodontal disease, something that many dogs experience, a condition that could cause dental implants to fail. Also, the study only lasted three to six months. It would ideal to have a longer examination of how a dog would do with dental implants.

Still, there are benefits to the procedure. One of them is keeping your pet from sustaining jaw bone loss. When a tooth gets lost, the jaw bone starts shrinking from that point. If more than one tooth in the same spot falls out, then a great deal of the jaw bone could disappear. Then implants can help keep the remaining teeth healthier, keeping them from moving. Implants are also said to keep teeth roots from being exposed. There is no scientific data as of yet, however, to confirm these benefits.

Of course, there are risks for this as well. For the procedure itself, your pet will have to be anesthetized numerous times. Veterinarians are very skilled in applying anesthesia, but the fact remains that there always risks to be run when anesthesia gets involved. In humans, dental implants have been known to lead to damaged nerves and infections. Then implants can loosen or break. Inflammation is another possible risk. Also, in humans, cats, and dogs alike, a lack of dental care will cause implants to deteriorate. Avoiding periodontal disease is imperative to the success of dental implants; this means dental care has to be frequent and regular, something that is not typical for pets.

In summary, dental implants for cats and dogs do not come highly recommended. The benefits are uncertain, but the risks are much better known and confirmed. Plus the procedure can be highly expensive. If you want to learn more about helping your pet's dental health or overall health, be sure to find the veterinarian you need today on our directory.