Cat Tooth Extraction Cost & What To Expect

Quick Takeaways

• A cat tooth extraction could cost $600 – $1,200 per tooth, and up to $2,000 or more for multiple teeth.¹
• Cat tooth extractions are typically considered a surgical procedure.¹
• A great way to help prevent tooth extraction is by maintaining your cat’s dental health through routine monitoring, professional dental cleanings, and at-home brushing.²
• Depending on the reimbursement option you select, MetLife Pet’s cat insurance can typically reimburse you up to 90% of covered expenses related to dental disease or injury diagnostics and treatment.⁶

If your cat needs a tooth extracted, it could cost you $600 or more.¹ That might cause some sticker shock, but ignoring your cat’s dental health can be dangerous. If not treated, dental issues can lead to other more serious problems, like heart, liver, and kidney disease — not to mention the pain your cat might be feeling.²

Let’s explore the cost of cat tooth extractions, factors that affect the cost, why your feline may need this procedure, and how cat insurance could help you with the vet bill.

How Much Does a Cat Tooth Extraction Cost?

A cat tooth extraction could cost $600 – $1,200 per tooth, and up to $2,000 or more for multiple teeth. This cost range includes various expenses related to the procedure, as the extraction alone is around $40 – $100 per tooth. Severe or emergency dental cases might be more expensive — inching closer to $3,000 or more — especially if you have to see a dental specialist or go to the animal emergency room.¹

Factors Affecting the Cost of Tooth Extractions for Cats

Cat tooth extractions are typically considered a surgical procedure. Many factors can impact the final cost, including:¹

• Severity or complexity of the dental issue
• How many teeth need to be pulled
• The type of clinic and geographical location
• Initial oral exam and X-rays
• Pre-surgical bloodwork and anesthesia
• Dental cleaning
• Post-operative medication and recovery measures

If possible, ask your vet for a cost estimate tailored to your cat’s specific needs before the procedure.

Reasons Why a Cat Tooth May Need To Be Extracted

There’s no denying you know your cat inside and out, but a veterinarian can diagnose any dental problems your cat is experiencing and recommend when it’s best to extract a tooth. That’s why routine checkups and cat teeth cleanings are so important — and can help prevent more serious dental problems.

Here are some of the reasons a vet may suggest or require tooth extraction:^3,4

• Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORL): Also called tooth resorption, this occurs when plaque forms lesions in the bone tissue that damage the tooth and root.
• Feline gingivitis/stomatitis syndrome (FGS): This is a gum disease caused by inflammation and bacteria from tartar buildup. It’s rare, but can be seen more often in cats with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
• Advanced periodontal disease: The most common reason for extraction, periodontitis occurs when gingivitis worsens, causing inflammation and leading to loose or lost teeth.
• Broken tooth: Trauma from injury or chewing can cause fractured or broken teeth, which could lead to infection if not removed.
• Infection: If root canals won’t treat a damaged or infected tooth, extraction is often considered.¹

Symptoms of dental problems

Cats may hide their pain when they’re sick — even the most attentive pet parent can’t foresee all situations. However, you can keep an eye out for some of the common symptoms of cats experiencing dental problems, including:^2,3

• Decreased or loss of appetite for hard foods
• Bad breath
• Difficulty chewing or refusal to chew
• Oral bleeding
• Lesions along the gum line
• Swollen or red gums
• Broken, missing, or loose teeth
• Pawing at the mouth

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your vet to diagnose the issue.

What To Expect After a Tooth Extraction

Your vet will likely send you home with instructions to help you care for your cat while they recover from their tooth extraction surgery. This might include giving any post-op medication, feeding softer foods, providing a safe space to relax and recover, and watching for signs of surgery complications.

While every cat is different, the effects of anesthesia usually wear off shortly after the procedure, but your kitty may be tired for the rest of the day. It’s a good idea to avoid hard foods, treats, and toys while recovering. Your vet may want to schedule a follow-up visit to ensure your cat’s mouth is healing well.⁵

Can You Prevent a Cat Tooth Extraction?

A great way to help prevent tooth extraction is by maintaining your cat’s dental health through routine monitoring, professional dental cleanings, and at-home brushing. You could train your cat to let you brush their teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for cats. You might also try dental chews, treats, special food, and water additives.²

Talk to your vet to see what they recommend before you start any home dental health maintenance. And check out MetLife Pet’s optional Preventive Care so you can get reimbursed up to your selected benefit limit for routine dental cleanings.

MetLife Pet Can Help You Cover Cat Dental Extraction Costs

If your beloved cat ends up needing dental work, the cost of a cat tooth extraction shouldn’t be a barrier to helping them feel better. Depending on the reimbursement option you select, MetLife Pet’s cat insurance can typically reimburse you up to 90% of covered expenses related to dental disease or injury diagnostics and treatment.⁶ However, if a tooth needs to be pulled due to a pre-existing condition, it may not be covered.

Don’t wait for a dental emergency to think about getting pet insurance. Enroll today and get coverage tomorrow for accidents and Preventive Care. Start with a free quote.