PET HEALTH
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
**As with any insurance policy, coverage may vary. Review our coverage and exclusions.
1 “Risks of Anesthesia Free Pet Dental Cleanings,” American Veterinary Dental College
2 “Pet dental care,” American Veterinary Medical Association
3 “Dog Tooth Extraction Recovery, PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/dog-tooth-extraction-recovery
4 “Understanding Dental Surgery for Pets: Guide to Common Procedures,” Snellville Animal Hospital, https://www.snellvilleanimalhospital.org/site/blog/2023/09/23/understanding-dental-surgery-pets--guide-common-procedures
5 “Animal Owner Resources,” American Veterinary Dental College
6 “Dental Implants In Pets,” St. Francis Veterinary Hospital
7 “Dental Disorders of Dogs,” Merck Veterinary Manual
8 “Dental Development of Dogs,” Merck Veterinary Manual
9 “Fractured Teeth in Dogs,” VCA Animal Hospitals
10 “How much does it cost to remove a dog’s tooth?” Betterpet, 2023, https://betterpet.com/dog-tooth-extraction-cost/
11 Reimbursement options include: 50%, 70%, 80% and 90%. Pet age restrictions may apply.
12 All claims paid amounts are based on MetLife Pet internal claims data from October 2023. This example is for illustrative purposes only. This is based on a policy with a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement. The pet policy issued by Metropolitan General Insurance Company is the governing document with respect to all matters of insurance. The specific facts of each claim must be evaluated in conjunction with the provisions of the applicable Policy to determine coverage in each individual case.
Coverage issued by Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886. Availability is subject to regulatory approval. Coverage subject to restrictions, exclusions and limitations and application is subject to underwriting. See policy or contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC (“MetLife Pet”) for details. MetLife Pet is the policy administrator. It may operate under an alternate or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), and MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois).
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