Dog teeth extractions can vary widely in cost depending on several factors. These include the number of teeth, which teeth need to be extracted, and whether the procedure is routine or an emergency.
A simple, non-emergency extraction during a routine cleaning might be on the lower end of the $500-$2,500 cost range. While every pup is unique with its own dental needs, if your furry friend has serious tooth troubles needing multiple extractions, the costs might go up. But don’t worry, your vet or doggie dental expert is there to help. Have a chat with them to figure out what you can expect cost-wise for your pet’s specific needs.
There are many reasons why your dog might need to have a tooth extracted. The most common include:
Many dental procedures recommended by veterinarians are covered by pet insurance — find out what is (and isn’t) included by reading our pet insurance coverage guide.
Unlike human dental work, dental procedures for dogs are typically done under general anesthesia. The vet may also take some dental X-rays to examine the roots of the teeth.
In the case of a non-emergency tooth extraction, your vet will most likely conduct a thorough dental exam and cleaning — which accounts for some of the cost of tooth extraction. The vet will then perform a nerve block to numb the area of the mouth and proceed with the tooth extraction. Once the dental procedure is complete, the vet will wake your pet up from anesthesia.
Following the procedure, your dog will likely be prescribed pain medication, and in some cases, antibiotics. All of these services may be line items on your bill. Here are some average costs of the most common charges, giving you an idea of what you’ll be paying for:
While we can guide you on the average cost of a tooth extraction, many factors will impact the dollar amount you’ll see on your total bill. These include:
Your veterinarian should give you some discharge instructions on how to take care of your dog while they recover from their tooth extraction. We’ve also included a few tips here to help ensure that your dog’s recovery goes smoothly:
Encourage rest — Your dog’s mouth might be sore after surgery, and they will need time to heal. Skip the rowdy playtime so everything heals properly.
Administer medication on time — Your pup’s vet might send them home with some antibiotics and pain medications. It’s important to give these as directed to prevent pain or infection.
Use softened food and take away any hard toys for two weeks — If your pup chews on hard kibble or hard toys, this may cause discomfort at the extraction site and may cause the stitches at the extraction site to pop or come undone. Monitor play and mealtimes to keep your pet safe.
Schedule a post-op checkup — The vet might ask to see your dog a week or two after surgery to ensure things are healing as they should and there are no signs of infection. Stay on top of follow-up appointments to help your pet heal.
Monitor for signs of complications — Keep a good eye on your pup to make sure they aren’t experiencing any complications. Monitor for signs of infection, refusals to eat or drink, or even signs of tooth pain or other dental issues.
Sometimes. The answer to this question depends on the insurance policy you have and why the tooth is being extracted.
For some policies, no dental work is covered, and others will only cover extractions in the case of some type of injury or trauma. If your dog’s tooth is not being removed as part of emergency surgery, it would be best to check with your insurance company first to find out if any of the costs of this dental work will be covered.
Remember, it’s crucial to understand the specifics of what each pet insurance company covers before making a decision. Always read the fine print and ask questions to ensure your pet has the coverage they need.
The cost of cleaning varies based on geographic location and the severity of the dental disease. If your dog has a severe buildup of tartar and plaque, then it will take longer to perform the dental cleaning and the costs will be greater.
While some providers may promote cleanings not performed under anesthesia as safe, effective, and less expensive, the American Veterinary Dental College does not recommend or support anesthesia-free dentistry.
Yes! Rotten teeth can cause pain, bad breath, and problems at mealtime. They also put your dog at risk for an infection — which, if left untreated, can be fatal when an infection in the mouth spreads to the kidneys and heart.
It depends on the nature of the surgery. Recovery times can be as short as a week, or as long as two to three weeks. Remember to follow your vet’s instructions to ensure your dog has time to heal properly.
It depends. You may be able to pay for the surgery through a lender that offers health care financing such as credit cards or lines of credit. You might also be able to find a low-cost clinic in your area where the cost of the procedure can be subsidized.
The Humane Society has a full list of aid organizations you could check out as well. If you are afraid you won’t be able to pay, be honest with your vet so you can work together to ensure your dog’s comfort, health, and safety.
No, it’s not safe or humane to pull a dog’s tooth without anesthesia. Veterinarians use anesthesia to ensure that your pet doesn’t feel any pain during the procedure and to keep them still, preventing any undue discomfort or accidental injury. While under anesthesia, your dog will be closely monitored to ensure their safety.
