If your cat has dental problems and needs a tooth removed, here’s what you can expect.
A cat’s dental hygiene is essential to their overall health. If one of their teeth becomes seriously damaged or infected, a tooth extraction may be required so they can properly start healing. We’ll go over a few common causes for tooth extractions below, as well as the different veterinary costs associated with removing a cat’s tooth.
If your vet diagnoses your kitty with a serious dental issue like advanced gum disease or broken teeth, they may need to remove one or more of their 30 permanent adult teeth. The most common reason for a vet to extract cat teeth is a condition called feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORL), also known as tooth resorption. Tooth resorption refers to a condition in which a cat’s teeth are eroding or being worn down. Symptoms in cats include painful lesions at the gum line (which usually become more significant over time), increased salivation, and difficulty chewing.
Tooth extractions always involve general anesthesia and surgery, costing anywhere from between $500 and $3,000. Anesthesia is required to ensure the procedure is pain-free, keep your cat still, and allow for thorough examination and extraction.
Bloodwork, anesthesia, and dental X-rays alone can be around $300 to $400, with the extractions bringing it closer to $500-$700—possibly more, depending on the extent of dental work required. If a dental specialist is doing the procedure, it can easily cost $2,000-$3,000.
Anesthesia and surgery are often just two of several costs you should expect when you take in your cat for a tooth extraction. Here are a few added expenses you may encounter:
Your cat will rely on you for care while they recover after their dental surgery. Here are some ways to help your kitty be comfortable:
The best way to prevent your cat from needing a tooth removed is to stay up-to-date with their bi-annual vet appointments and maintain a good dental care routine. Yearly dental cleanings are recommended to remove plaque and tartar and to find and treat early signs of gum disease.
Water additives can also help prevent disease-causing bacteria to stick to your cat’s teeth and freshen their breath at the same time. If your kitty has already been diagnosed with gum disease, brushing their teeth regularly can help prevent the disease from progressing and requiring a tooth removal.
When it comes to your cat’s oral health, the best way to avoid costly vet bills is by helping your cat maintain good dental health. But, if your pet ends up needing treatment, most pet insurance policies cover tooth injuries and diseases. Find out what is (and isn’t) included by reading our insurance coverage guide.
A routine teeth cleaning can cost between $100 to $500, though costs can go as high as $3,000 when you factor in x-rays and anesthesia, both of which are routine parts of the dental cleaning process If your cat needs additional treatment for dental disease, the total cost may be even higher.
Give your kitty a safe space to recover, offer them soft foods, remember to keep up with the post-op medication, and watch for any complications. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet.
Your cat should have an annual dental checkup that includes teeth cleaning. Regular cleanings help prevent more serious problems in the future, like gum disease.
The main cause of gum disease in cats is inadequate dental care. It’s easy for food, bacteria, and saliva to create plaque inside a cat’s mouth if their teeth aren’t brushed and cleaned regularly. Plaque builds up under the gum line and turns into tartar — leading to gum disease. If the disease gets bad enough, your cat may need teeth removed.
Cats should have their teeth cleaned professionally at least once a year, but vets encourage you to brush your cat’s teeth at home at least three times a week to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent future dental problems.
