Dental Crowns for Dogs: What You Need to Know

dental crowns for dogs

Dental Crowns for Dogs: What You Need to Know

Did you know that dogs can get dental crowns just like humans? Applying a crown to your dog’s tooth will work just like a regular tooth. It will help them live a happier, healthier life. 

However, this is easy for us to say as pet dental specialists. So, here are some answers to the most common questions we hear about dogs receiving dental crowns.

What Are Dental Crowns for Dogs?

A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its function and protect it from further harm. While human crowns can be made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or resin, dental crowns for dogs are almost always crafted from a durable metal alloy. This material is specifically chosen to withstand a dog’s powerful bite force, which is significantly greater than a human’s.

Why Would a Dog Need a Dental Crown?

Board-Certified Veterinary Dentists™ often recommend dental crowns after performing root canal therapy on a fractured tooth. The crown helps protect the treated tooth from further damage, especially if the underlying behavior that caused the injury (like excessive chewing or cage biting) cannot be fully addressed.

Dental crowns can also be placed preventatively on teeth with enamel defects, excessive wear, or other vulnerabilities that make them more prone to breaking.

Which Teeth Are Commonly Crowned?

The teeth most commonly crowned in dogs are the canine (fang) teeth. However, the upper fourth premolars and lower first molars—the primary chewing teeth—are also frequent candidates for crowns. While other teeth can technically receive crowns, this is rarely done.

What Happens During the Dental Crown Process?

Placing a dental crown on a dog requires two separate anesthetic procedures:

  1. First Procedure:
    • If a root canal has been performed, the veterinary dentist will carefully remove a small amount of enamel from the surface of the tooth to ensure the crown fits properly.
    • A precise mold of the tooth is taken using special dental materials and sent to a lab where the custom metal crown is fabricated.
  2. Second Procedure:
    • Within about two weeks, the completed crown is securely and permanently bonded to the tooth using dental cement.

This two-step process ensures that the crown fits perfectly, allowing your dog to regain normal tooth function.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

In most cases, a well-fitted metal dental crown can last for the remainder of a dog’s life. However, crowns can occasionally dislodge, or the tooth root beneath may break due to trauma, such as chewing inappropriate objects, rough play, or fights with other dogs.

To help protect your dog’s teeth and crown:

  • Avoid allowing your dog to chew on hard items like rocks, antlers, or hard nylon bones—anything harder than what you can press into with your thumbnail.
  • Brush your dog’s teeth daily and schedule regular dental checkups to monitor their oral health.

Dental Crowns for Dogs in Birmingham

With proper care, a dental crown can keep your dog’s smile strong and healthy for years to come! If you have questions, contact us at Animal Dental Specialists in Birmingham to schedule a consultation for your dog. 

 

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (01/16/2025) Image by Frauke Riether from Pixabay