Doggie Dentures – Can You Get False Teeth For Dogs?

Last Updated on October 22, 2023 by Jade Roberts

Can Dogs Get Dentures?

Yes. Dogs can get dental implants, but this is not a routine procedure, and as a result, you could have difficulty finding someone that does this kind of work. The dentures for dogs procedure is expensive and there are risks involved, and dogs will have difficulty getting used to any kind of false teeth in their mouth.

dentures for dogs

Now no one has said that False Teeth Options were just for humans. Many of us have canine friends that we dearly love and are part of the family. And after seeing some requests for information on dental care for dogs, I thought I’d put this article together to answer some of the more common questions that dog lovers may have.

The first-ever reported use of false teeth for dogs dates back to 1938 in the United States. The practice never really caught on and is still considered uncommon. Speculation as to why dog owners did not get into the habit of fitting their dogs with dentures is interesting.

Issues With Dentures For Dogs

The concern over the difficulty a dog may have in adapting to false teeth is the number one reason why it is not a normal practice for today’s veterinarians. Accidents, where the dentures could be swallowed, present another difficulty. Then there’s the cost.

Dental appliances for humans are costly. A dog that uses dentures that could regularly get lost, swallowed, or broken would make for an expensive exercise over the course of time. Even if dental implants were an option, a dog’s lifestyle would impact its effectiveness greatly.

There are some vets who support the concept of pet dental implants; however, there are many that do not do this procedure. If your regular vet does not do the implant procedure, then you might have to spend some time looking further afield. There are a number of reasons for this, including:

  • It’s tough to see whether or not there is a real benefit to the procedure. Where a dental implant for a human improves one’s smile, increases self-confidence, and reduces speaking and eating problems, pet implants are different.
  • The procedure is expensive and carries a lot of risks (with the procedure itself, as well as with aesthetic usages, etc).

A pet implant will provide better chewing ability which could allow you to change their diet from soft to more solid foods, and would improve playtime with dog chew toys and such. However, there is still a risk of the implant becoming damaged and requiring replacement due to rough play. This in itself can make this an expensive option in the long run.

For these reasons, dental implants are not very common, and as such maintaining your pet’s oral hygiene is the best approach.

How Dental Disease Impacts Your Dog

false teeth for dogs

Dogs develop tooth and gum problems from an early age and it reoccurs frequently during their lifespan. Tooth extraction is typically the remedy of choice where damaged teeth are removed in order to save those located near the affected ones. Gum disease is a frequent reason for tooth removal.

Because of the cycle of tooth and gum disease in dogs, it is common for ‘senior’ dogs to have none or few of their teeth. This has an impact on their quality of life and greatly reduces their diet options. Wet or soft foods are all they can safely consume at this stage.

The Alternative To False Teeth For Dogs

Dentures for dogs are not practical, however, there are things you can do to prevent your pet from losing any teeth. There are a number of products available made specifically to address oral hygiene in both dogs and cats. These items are very effective in treating dental issues.

Toothbrushes designed for your pets along with specially formulated toothpaste can remove plaque and tartar, the leading cause of tooth and gum disease. Dental sprays and chew toys round out the options. As the saying goes… “Prevention is better than cure”, so by using a combination of the above, you should be able to remove dog dentures from the list of possible solutions.


Products to Help Reduce Dog Dental Problems

Here is a look at some of the products we have found that will help with your dog’s oral hygiene:

Pedigree Dentatix Small/Medium Dog Treats

Pedigree Dentastix Dog Dental Treats

These X-shaped dog dental chews are made with a texture that is not only chewy but helps clean between your dog’s teeth all the way to the gum line. The mint flavor is not only tasty, but it also works to combat bad breath, one of the most common dog dental problems.

The manufacturer says these Dentatix dog dental treats have been clinically proven to reduce tartar buildup. They are safe and effective enough to be used as a daily part of your dog’s oral hygiene routine.

For more information on Pedigree Dentastix Dog Dental Treats, click the button below.

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Tropiclean Clean Teeth Oral Care for Dogs

TropiClean Dog Oral Care Brushing Solutions

Bad breath may be a signal that your dog may have the early stages of periodontal disease. This product contains a blend of natural ingredients that will go to work as soon as it is applied.

Plaque and tartar are dissolved at a microscopic level so that you can see cleaner teeth in 30 days or less.

For more information on Tropiclean Teeth Gel, click the button below.

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Pet Republique Cat & Dog Finger Toothbrush

Pet Republique Cat & Dog Toothbrush

Designed to fit over the tip of your finger, these miniature brushes are made from food-grade materials. The bristle hardness is firm enough to effectively remove food particles and tartar without causing harm.

In fact, these are more than just the best dog toothbrush tools available as they actually help you to provide a gentle massage of your dog or cat’s gums.

Pet Republique turns a portion of its profits back into supporting the efforts of the American Animal Rescue Society and supports this product with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

For more information on the Pet Republique Finger Toothbrush, click the button below.

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Pet Republique Cat & Dog Toothbrush

Cat and Dog Toothbrush

The unique double-headed design of this dog toothbrush provides two different-sized brushes at two ends of a handle. This makes for efficient cleaning with only one tool – the smaller head can go deeper into your pet’s mouth.

The handle is narrow and measures 8 ½-inches in length and is strong enough for brushing the teeth of even the most finicky of your fur babies.

The manufacturer has a money-back guarantee attached to this product and turns a portion of the profit into a donation to support the American Animal Rescue Society.

For more information on the PetRepublique Cat & Dog Toothbrush, click the button below.

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Petrodex Enzymatic Dog Toothpaste

Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste Dog

Using a formula that is specially designed for use on pets, this dog toothpaste has a poultry flavor that assists with the brushing process.

The manufacturer states this product will help to control plaque as well as fight bad breath.

It is safe enough to use daily as part of your pet’s regular oral health routine. Although this is marketed as dog toothpaste, it can also be used with cats.

Although this is marketed as dog toothpaste, it can also be used with cats.

For more information on Petrodex Dog Toothpaste, click the button below.

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Premium Pet Dental Spray

Premium Pet Dental Spray

Promoted as a ‘pet dentist in a bottle’ this specially formulated dog dental spray is alcohol-free and fights plaque, tartar, and gum disease. It can be added to pet water or sprayed directly along their gums and teeth. It is safe enough to use daily and also combats bad breath.

It tastes great, so your dog will love it as soon as they try it.

The manufacturer has attached a 100-percent lifetime guarantee to this product and donates a portion of the profits to a fund to help with medical costs for pets in need. Known as the Indy Fund, you will receive a photo of the pet your purchase assisted.

For more information on Premium Pet Dental Spray, click the button below.

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Which Dog Dental Chews Are The Best?

If you have been hesitant to let your dog have dental chews, consider this: veterinarians say that dental chews have been proven to be effective tools in combating the development of bacteria growth in a dog’s mouth. According to leading vets, dental chews can decrease the number of bacteria by between 60 and 70 percent. It is recommended that you give your dog a dental chew no more than two or three times a week.

Some of the best dog chews are:


Benebone Bacon Flavored Dental Chew Toy

Benebone Real Flavor Dental Dog Chew Toy

Featuring an ergonomic design and authentic 100-percent real bacon flavor, this chew toy will keep your pet busy for hours. There are deep grooves built into the shape to allow dogs to increase the amount of surface area they can access.

This provides more flavor and a better tooth and gum workout. Just like chewing gum for humans, the constant chewing action produces saliva which helps to combat the build-up of plaque on teeth and gums.

As this is a dog dental toy and not food, you should replace it as soon as excessive wear marks begin to show.

For more information on the Benebone Dog Dental Chew Toy, click the button below.

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Greenies Original Dental Dog Treats

Greenies Original Dental Dog Treats

This brand of dental dog treats tops the list because it comes in many different varieties and sizes. The design of the treats permits dogs to bite down deeply within grooves that help scrub tooth surfaces. They are also soft enough that they bend somewhat so that the chew can reach hard to get at surfaces.

For more information on the Greenies Original Dental Dog Treats, click the button below.

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Yummy Combs Dog Dental Treat

Yummy Combs Dog Dental Treat

The honeycomb design of this dog dental chew allows teeth to sink into the pockets of the 5-sided honeycomb to scrub around the entire tooth surface. These chews are also double-sided so that when your dog bites into one, both the upper and lower teeth benefit.

For more information on the Yummy Combs Dog Dental Treat, click the button below.

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C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews

C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews

The toothbrushing texture of these dog chews works great at scrubbing tooth surfaces. The chews also contain a series of enzymes in the formula that are specifically intended to fight plaque. Vets recommend this chew because of the enzyme action and how it essentially wipes out plaque before it can take hold.

For more information on the C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews, click the button below.

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Doggie Dentures FAQs

Can dogs get dentures?

Yes, dogs can get dentures. However, you must carefully consider the steep price and associated risks. Typically, vets advise against dentures for dogs as they could lead to further oral problems. If your furry friend has lost one or two teeth, or even a series of teeth, you could consider dentures, but this decision requires serious deliberation.

How much do dog dentures cost?

It costs approximately $600 to $2,000 per tooth for titanium dog teeth. Extracting teeth costs between $500 and $800 per tooth.

How much is dog dental cleaning?

Probably the best way to save on dog dental care is to have your pet’s teeth cleaned regularly. Depending on the breed, and diet, cleaning is suggested to be scheduled either once or twice per year.

Cleaning dog teeth costs between $300 and $700, covering a complete dental examination, teeth cleaning, and polishing. An expert conducts the process while your dog is under anesthesia, effectively removing plaque that could cause periodontal disease and tartar buildup.

How do doggie dentures differ from human dentures?

One of the main differences between human and dog dentures stems from humans using dentures to improve their appearance. Dentures can fill out a sunken face. They also make us feel good about ourselves as dentures enable us to have a perfect smile. Dentures also assist humans in speaking and eating. For a dog to be considered a worthy candidate for dentures, its oral functions have to be seriously impacted. And, finally, because dogs use their teeth for chewing and biting materials that are more abrasive than what humans chew or bite, canine dentures are easier to damage.

Because dogs don’t really care about their appearance, and since there are quite a few other negatives to doggie dentures, veterinarians don’t typically recommend dentures for dogs.

How are dog dentures similar to human dentures?

There are many ways in which dog dentures are similar to human dentures. When a dog or human has a missing tooth or two, the other teeth in that row will eventually move toward that gap if an implant is not used. Also, a gap between teeth is a sign of oral disease in both humans and dogs signaling the need for dentures. Gum disease is the top reason that dentures are required by both humans and dogs. To wrap up, dentures are effective in restoring chewing function in both dogs and humans. Without a proper chewing function, eating is hampered, and dietary changes are required.

What do dog dentures look like?

The most effective and realistic-looking of the false teeth options some dogs receive are dental implants. The procedure is quite involved and requires a titanium screw fitted into the canine jawbone. This procedure is performed under anesthetic and will take between three and six months to heal enough for the next step to take place. If the screw integrates satisfactorily with the jawbone, abutments and ceramic teeth are fitted.

Recovery could take many more months and painkillers will be prescribed to help your dog deal with the discomfort. Once healed, your dog will have complete chewing function and will need regular dental checkups annually.


What’s The Best Solution For Your Pet’s Oral Hygiene?

You might think that a dental implant for your dog is the best option. But it’s not common and many vets don’t perform the procedure. Discuss if this really is the best option for your dog with your vet.

In a similar way to how your dentist would recommend maintaining strong, healthy teeth through regular cleaning, your vet will likely give the same advice for your dog’s teeth. Daily brushings, with toothbrushes and toothpaste made just for pets, are a good habit to form. By practicing good dental hygiene for your canine companion, you should be able to avoid resorting to dentures for dogs.

Supplementing brushing with dental spray, dental chews, and dog dental toys designed to clean teeth and massage gums will also assist. By keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy you will never have to ever consider the possibility of false teeth for dogs or cats.

About Jade Roberts

After having a lot of dental issues when she was younger, and years of restorative dental work, Jade knows how difficult it is to find the right dental information. This forced her to do countless hours of research and connect with dental experts all over the world to find the right information. Learning has made her passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience so that others don't have to go through the same issues. "If I make any recommendations in the articles on the False Teeth Options website, it is because my team and I have researched and/or tested the products ourselves, and would be comfortable recommending them to our own family and friends. I'd love to hear of your experiences. So if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to get in touch."

8 Comments

  1. Madonna on June 17, 2017 at 1:44 pm

    I have a mid-age chiwhawa with only half her teeth left. She won’t dine one any chew bones or sticks. And due to dental issues in the past she hates any action such as brushing around her mouth. Won’t change to soft food either, rolls small bits in her mouth then swallows. Help!

    • False Teeth Options on June 18, 2017 at 4:28 pm

      Hi Madonna
      Thanks for your message.
      Sorry to hear that your dog is having issues biting and chewing. If she is that uncomfortable, then it will probably be difficult to use any of these products with her. Most of the products I have mentioned are designed to prevent dental issues from forming, however for a pet with pre-existing issues, they may not work as well.
      It may be best to talk to your vet for specific advice for your pet’s circumstances.
      Good luck, and I hope that you can find something that works.
      Cheers
      Jade

  2. Jordan Birchfield on December 5, 2017 at 9:46 pm

    My 11 year old Pomeranian/Daschund mix dog has lost most of his teeth. I’m seriously wanting to get him implants/dentures. We live in East Tennessee. Where can I get this done? Please help!

    • False Teeth Options on December 6, 2017 at 7:52 pm

      Hi Jordan
      Thanks for your message. Finding a dentist that will actually do a doggie dentures procedure may be difficult.
      I am not from Tennessee so can’t recommend anyone – all I can suggest is to call a few vets in the area and, if they don’t do the procedure themselves, then they may know of someone else who does.
      Since it is not commonly done, you may struggle. But just start asking around and you might get lucky. The vets may have some other ideas to help – for instance, if your dog is experiencing pain when chewing, they may suggest different foods or treatments that may help.
      Good luck with finding something that helps, and sorry I can’t provide any more assistance.
      Regards
      Jade

  3. Christopher B Newhart on January 10, 2018 at 6:18 pm

    Hi where could I find business that offer this in Utah?

    • False Teeth Options on January 12, 2018 at 4:37 pm

      Hi Christopher
      Thanks for your question. I am not familiar with anyone in Utah that does this dental procedure.
      If you do some Google searches in your area for vets that provide this and you don’t have any luck, if I were you I’d probably just start calling around all the vets to see if anyone knows someone that does this. It is not a very common procedure, so you may be out of luck – but it’s worth a try.
      Good luck with it.

  4. Natasha on October 6, 2023 at 6:10 pm

    I was trying to find out how much would it be for a dog to get a complete set of dentures in its entire mouth? There was a little Chihuahua that found his way to me and as I checked him out, his teeth are really bad decayed breaking off and he’s losing them often I want to help the little guy out but I need to know a price range if I want to keep him, is there a way you guys can help me out With pricing?

    • Jade Roberts on October 9, 2023 at 12:55 am

      Hello Natasha,

      Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concern about the little Chihuahua. It’s heart-warming to see your desire to help him.

      Regarding your question about dentures for dogs, it’s important to note that while dogs can get dental implants, it’s not a routine procedure. Many veterinarians do not typically recommend dentures for dogs due to the associated risks and the potential difficulty a dog may have in adapting to them. There’s also the concern about the dentures being swallowed or lost, which could lead to additional expenses over time.

      It is difficult to provide an estimate on pricing, as the actual cost can vary based on the veterinarian, location, and specific needs of the dog.

      Given the condition of the Chihuahua’s teeth, it might be more practical to consider tooth extraction and then focus on maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent further dental issues. There are various products available, such as dental sprays, chew toys, and specially formulated toothpaste for dogs, that can help in maintaining oral health.

      However, I would strongly recommend consulting with a veterinarian to get a more accurate estimate and to discuss the best course of action for the little guy. They will be able to provide guidance tailored to his specific needs.

      I hope this helps, and I wish the best for you and the Chihuahua!

      Jade

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