Dental Implants

The loss of a tooth, whether due to fracture, infection or age related wear, can lead to significant problems in horses. In addition to pain, feed loss and weight reduction, neighboring teeth often begin to tilt, and the entire dentition becomes unbalanced.

In human medicine, the replacement of missing teeth with implants has long been standard. In horses, however, the situation is different. The tooth sockets are large and rarely ossify completely, the mouth is never free of bacteria, and horses begin chewing again immediately after surgery. Immobilization, as is possible in humans, is therefore not an option.

Despite these challenges, we at the Hanseklinik are developing a practical implant concept together with specialists from human medicine that meets the unique conditions in horses.

When is an implant suitable

• Loss of a cheek tooth due to fracture, infection or extraction
• When a tooth gap causes functional problems such as feed loss, tilting of adjacent teeth or malalignment
• In horses for whom long term solutions are beneficial, for example performance horses or young horses with many active years ahead
• When conventional measures cannot sufficiently stabilize the function of the dentition

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How the implantation process works

The process is divided into two phases that are adapted to the biological healing of the horse.

Phase 1: Spacer phase

Immediately after tooth extraction, a long term provisional implant is placed.

It protects the tooth socket, stabilizes the surrounding teeth and prevents them from drifting.

Phase 2: Implantation phase

After an individually adapted healing period, the actual implant is placed.

Special materials are used to ensure a stable connection with the surrounding tissue.

The goal is long lasting, secure anchorage that withstands natural chewing forces.

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What does an implant mean for my horse

Positive effects

• Prevention of malalignment and tilting of neighboring teeth

• Stabilization of the entire dentition and jaw balance

• Preservation of a functional chewing system, even in performance horses

• Improvement of eating behavior and general well being

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Possible risks and current situation

• The project is currently in a clinical testing phase, and not all materials and long term results are fully established
• Not every implant automatically leads to the desired long term outcome; individual evaluation is essential
• Infections or loosening can occur and require close monitoring
• The decision is always made transparently and individually together with you

Why this matters

Choosing not to place an implant, essentially accepting the gap, can lead to long term functional problems.

Neighboring teeth tilt, the jaw shifts, and the balance of the dentition is lost.

From human medicine we know that malalignment in the jaw can cause muscle tension, pain and functional disorders.

Horses chew up to 18 hours per day, so even small changes have a significant impact on comfort and rideability.

We believe that horses deserve a functional dentition even after tooth loss.

Think your horse may be a candidate

If you believe your horse may benefit from a long term provisional implant or a full implant, we are happy to advise you individually.

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