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How Much Does Dog Teeth Removal Cost? 2024 Price Update

Rachael Gerkensmeyer

By Rachael Gerkensmeyer

dog teeth

Dogs provide companionship, protection, and support to the entire household, so it’s no wonder that we do all that we can to keep our dogs healthy and happy throughout their lives. Dental care is an important part of managing a dog’s health as time goes on. But sometimes, it becomes necessary to remove a tooth. So, how much does dog teeth removal cost this year? We broke down all the information that you need to know here. On average, dog tooth extraction costs $500 to $2,500. This number can vary quite a bit depending on where you live and your dog’s specific health needs.

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The Importance of Dog Teeth Removal

There are multiple reasons that a dog’s tooth may need to be removed. Periodontal disease is one of the most common reasons. Also referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease is caused by bacterial infections that reach the cavities of the teeth and the interior of the gums.

If left unchecked, it can cause all kinds of problems including:
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Bad breath
  • Inflamed gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Loss of appetite (especially for hard foods)
  • Excessive drooling
  • Irritability

Once the periodontal disease has advanced, tooth pain and degradation can occur until the affected tooth or teeth are removed. Another reason that a dog’s tooth might need to be extracted is due to damage. When a tooth gets badly cracked or chipped, it must be removed to prevent the roots from becoming exposed and an abscess from forming underneath the tooth.

Sometimes, a dog’s baby teeth never fall out to make room for adult teeth. If this happens, the baby teeth must be manually extracted by a veterinarian so the adult teeth growing in do not overcrowd the mouth and create misalignments. Also, sometimes a dog simply grows too many teeth, and ones that shouldn’t be there should be removed.

No matter the reason for your dog needing a tooth extraction, putting it off or avoiding it could lead to pain and health problems for your pooch. Therefore, it is important to work with your veterinarian as soon as possible after discovering a dental problem that could indicate a need for a tooth extraction.

vet extracting dog's sick tooth
Image By: paradoo, Shutterstock

How Much Does Dog Teeth Removal Cost?

Depending on where you live, how old your dog is, your dog’s dental history, and other factors, the cost of having one of your dog’s teeth removed can vary. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,500. Some service providers are more expensive, like at Pearly Bites in New York, where dental services that include tooth extractions can cost anywhere from $1,050 to more than $3,400.

On the other hand, prices could be slightly lower at places like the South Coast Pet Dentals Center in California, which charges only $35 per extracted tooth on top of a base visit cost. Keep in mind that the cost of a tooth extraction usually does not include the price of other services that are or could be necessary during the extraction process.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

In addition to the actual removal of a tooth, other services will likely be recommended, if not required, by the veterinarian.

These include:
  • Anesthesia: $90–$1,000, depending on size of dog
  • Teeth cleaning: $300—$700
  • Root canal: $1,000—$3,000+
  • An oral evaluation: $50—$200

Ask your service provider for a complete list of services that they will render when you go in to have your dog’s tooth removed and for a list of services that may end up being required after inspecting your dog’s teeth and gums. This will enable you to properly budget for your upcoming veterinarian appointment.

How Often Should the Need for a Dog Tooth Extraction Arise?

If you can provide proper dental care to your dog over the years, hopefully, there will never be a need to remove any of your dog’s teeth. Making sure periodontal disease does not develop by brushing your dog’s teeth regularly and having their teeth professionally cleaned each year will go a long way in ensuring that all teeth can stay in place even at an old age.

However, accidents can happen, and dental disease can develop even when stringent dental care practices are put into place. There is no telling how often your dog will require a tooth extraction throughout their life. The need could arise once, twice, or several times, depending on many different things, including your pooch’s lifestyle.

vet examining dog's gums
Image Credit: Diego Cervo, Shutterstock

Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog Teeth Removals?

Whether your pet insurance plan will cover a tooth extraction for your dog depends on if dental coverage is included. If so, a tooth extraction should be paid for if it’s due to an accident or an illness. Preventable extractions due to periodontal disease and other issues may not be covered.

You may be able to add a dental plan to your current pet insurance policy if dental is not already included. Be prepared to pay a copay for any dental services rendered. You may also have to pay for potential additional services out of pocket that might be necessary but are not covered under your plan.

How to Minimize the Risk of Your Dog Needing a Tooth Removal

There are a few things that you can do to help your dog avoid developing problems that result in the need to remove one or more teeth. First and foremost, make dental care a priority. Offer dental treats to your pooch a couple times per week. Take the time to brush their teeth with a pet toothbrush and veterinarian-certified toothpaste multiple times a week.

Make sure your dog’s water dish is cleaned and refilled at least once a day to promote drinking, which rinses the mouth between meals. This is especially important if your pet eats wet food at mealtime. Making sure your pooch has plenty of chew toys to interact with will help keep their teeth clean and healthy too.

Another thing that you can do to minimize the risk of needing teeth extraction services is to always supervise your canine companion while they play outside or wherever an area is not “puppy-proofed.” This will help you avoid accidents and any tooth injuries that could result.

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Conclusion

Taking care of a dog’s teeth is serious business. Sometimes, dental care includes paying for a tooth extraction. The service isn’t cheap, but shopping around can help you control costs. Hopefully, this guide will make it easier to get the dental care that your dog needs.


Featured Image Credit: paradoo, Shutterstock

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