PET HEALTH
Dog Tooth Extraction: Cost, Procedure, & Recovery
Tooth extraction is a common surgery among dogs of all ages. It’s likely your dog will need a tooth — if not several teeth — removed during their lifetime. Because dog tooth extractions can cost several hundred dollars, it’s helpful to know what to expect and how to prepare for this expense.
Learn how tooth extractions work, how much they cost, and if pet insurance can help offset the bill.
With the Preventive Care add-on, MetLife Pet Insurance can help you cover tooth extractions related to routine dental care. A standard plan may also cover extractions related to injuries and illnesses. Get your free pet insurance quote.
How Does a Dog Tooth Extraction Work?
Both the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommend all dental procedures be performed under general anesthesia.1,2 This includes tooth removal.
Tooth extractions involve a few steps, and your veterinarian will likely follow a procedure similar to this:3,4
- Clean all teeth and gums
- X-ray the affected areas
- Identify the affected tooth or teeth
- Surgically remove diseased teeth and affected tissue
- Drill the affected tooth or teeth to isolate roots
- Clean out the gum line to remove any remaining debris
- X-ray the area to ensure proper removal
- Stitch the gum line
If your dog requires more advanced treatment, your vet may refer you to a Board Certified Veterinary Dentist™.5 Unlike for humans, dog dentures don’t exist. So if your pooch has many teeth removed, your vet will likely discuss how this can affect their eating and drinking habits. You may be able to get dog teeth implants for your pup. However, there are risks involved, and most dogs can lead normal lives through dietary and routine changes without needing tooth replacement.6
Reasons for dog tooth extractions
There are a few reasons your vet might recommend a tooth extraction. According to Merck Veterinary Manual, the most common reasons are periodontal disease and endodontic disease — such as injuries, unerupted teeth, and fractures.7
- Periodontal disease: Periodontal disease is an advanced form of gum disease, where a buildup of bacteria and plaque leads to gum deterioration, bad breath and tooth decay. Extractions are often necessary for dogs with periodontitis.7
- Unerupted teeth: Just like humans, dogs have “baby” (deciduous) and “adult” (permanent) teeth. Your dog’s permanent teeth should be present by 7 months.8 If deciduous or permanent teeth fail to erupt and lead to problems, they should be removed.
- Fractured teeth: Fractured teeth are usually caused by external trauma or chewing on hard objects.9 If a broken tooth can’t be repaired with root canal therapy, your vet will extract the tooth.7
How Much Does Dog Tooth Removal Cost?
The cost to remove a dog’s tooth varies and can range from $500 – $2,500.10 For the most accurate estimate, talk with your vet. The cost will depend on the type of tooth, its level of damage, and the type of extraction or repair required. For example, dog baby teeth removal may cost less than removing permanent or impacted teeth.
Keep in mind that this price range and your vet’s quote may not include additional expenses. Even when necessary, some parts of the procedure may be billed separately, including anesthesia, X-rays, and antibiotics.
How Can You Prevent Removing Your Dog’s Teeth?
The best way to prevent tooth extractions is practicing good pet dental health at the vet’s office and at home.
Schedule regular vet visits for dental checkups and cleanings. The AVMA recommends getting a professional dental cleaning performed under anesthesia around once a year.2
At home, regularly brush your dog’s teeth with a vet-approved toothbrush and toothpaste. Some treats may also help keep your pup’s teeth clean, but they shouldn’t be used as a replacement for brushing. The Veterinary Oral Health Council’s accepted products list is another great resource for vetting pet dental care products.
Always talk with your vet for their expert guidance and recommendations.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
A policy with MetLife Pet Insurance may cover dog tooth extractions resulting from accidental injury or disease, including periodontal disease.
The removal of your dog’s baby teeth may also be covered if it’s medically necessary. Like most pet insurance companies, extractions recommended after your pet’s regular dental exams usually aren’t covered by a standard policy.
A Preventive Care add-on may cover up to 90% of costs for even more dental procedures, such as:11
- Routine teeth cleaning
- Routine extractions
- Deciduous tooth removal
Let’s see how MetLife Pet was able to help Gherkin, a small senior pup from Virginia. Gherkin fractured a tooth after chewing on his bone. It was causing him pain and an infection was likely to occur. His pet parents took him to the vet, where they removed the fractured tooth. The procedure cost over $1,200, but thanks to their dog insurance policy, Gherkin’s owners were reimbursed around $1,100.12
Get the coverage your pet needs so you can save on vet visit costs. Learn more about our periodontal disease coverage, or fetch a free quote today to see your personalized rates.
