Titanium teeth in German Shepherds and other dogs has garnered interest and attention for a few reasons.
Firstly, owners are genuinely interested in knowing the options for dental work for dogs with decaying or damaged teeth.
And secondly, people are interested in knowing about the rumoured titanium teeth for military and special services dogs that perform the high risk tasks.
We look at titanium cap, implants, costs, titanium fangs and military and Navy SEAL dogs in this guide.
Let’s go into more detail …
(NOTE: this article is informational and educational only. If you are considering dental work for your dog, or are concerned about their mouth/teeth health – speak to your vet for the best course of action)
German Shepherd Titanium Teeth, Caps & Fangs: What To Know, & Costs
Metal Cap and Titanium Cap Crowns For German Shepherds And Dogs
When people talk about titanium or metal teeth for dogs, they are usually referring to metal caps and not an actual titanium tooth implant.
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, the most common crown is cast metal, titanium, or stainless steel.
Titanium is the crown material of choice when strength is more important than aesthetics.
Cost of Titanium Teeth & Metal Teeth Caps
Metal crowns/ metal cap teeth for dogs can be anywhere from around $1,5000 to $2000 per tooth.
However, if you are getting several teeth done at a time it can be cheaper at just over $3000 for 3 teeth for example.
Reasons a dog may get titanium teeth, metal caps or implants
Health related issues like cavities and wearing down of enamel on regular teeth
Dogs that bite metal cages and other hard surfaces are susceptible to breaks and teeth damage
Dogs that are always chewing or biting objects will wear down their teeth – e.g. K9 protection dogs that are always biting bite pillows, or biting tugs
Dogs that work in the police or military where they are in situations where they might lose teeth in general high risk situations e.g. maybe a suspect hits the dog in the mouth
Titanium Teeth Implants
Tooth implants are different to metal caps.
Dog owners will usually get implants when their dog is missing a tooth and it impacts their ability to eat, or in the case of working dogs, impacts their ability to work.
A dog may also get implants if an existing tooth is so damaged or in bad health that metal caps would be redundant.
The process of placing an implant in a dog’s mouth usually involves the insertion of a titanium screw in the gum tissue in the place of a missing tooth.
The screw will also have an abutment, which is also made of a titanium alloy and will be covered with a ceramic tooth that is made by a technician.
Benefits of dog dental implants can include helping maintain remaining bone, promote the health of neighbouring teeth, limit the movement of teeth, reduce the amount of root exposure, keep the tongue from “lolling” and protect opposing teeth and gums from trauma while maintaining normal function.
One of the risks of an implant is the implant coming loose and the dog swallowing it.
Implants in general are not as common as metal caps and there is not a lot of data on their long term success for a range of real life experiences like eating, pulling, biting etc.
What Are Titanium ‘Fangs’
A dog’s four ‘fang’ teeth, aptly called canines, are the most commonly injured teeth that are replaced so the animal can again grip and tear without self-injury.
Titanium Teeth for Military & Navy SEAL Dogs
Military & Navy SEAL dogs don’t usually have titanium or metal capped teeth unless necessary i.e. when they break or damage the tooth during action.
There’s two main reasons for this:
The cost – anywhere from $1500 to $2000 per tooth
Regular teeth are more stable and stronger than metal teeth
There’s more of a chance during biting that metal teeth come loose or break than regular teeth.
German Shepherds With Titanium Teeth & Metal Caps
Cost Of Titanium Capped Teeth & Some Reasons For Them
German Shepherd K-9’s In Training With Titanium Teeth
What Is Involved In Making A Metal Crown For A Dog
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