How much does a dog tooth extraction cost?
How much does a dog tooth extraction cost?
$500 – $1,300 average vet’s office cost
$250 – $700 average community vet clinic cost
$800 – $3,000 average emergency veterinary hospital cost
Average dog tooth extraction cost
A dog tooth extraction costs $500 to $1,300 on average at a vet’s office. Low-cost dog tooth extractions cost $250 to $700 at community veterinary clinics. Dog tooth removal costs are much higher at emergency vet hospitals or specialty veterinary dental clinics equipped to treat more complex dental issues.
| Provider | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Vet’s office | $500 – $1,300 |
| Low-cost community vet clinic | $250 – $700 |
| Emergency veterinary hospital | $800 – $2,000+ |
| Specialty veterinary dentistry | $1,000 – $3,000+ |
*Including diagnostics, anesthesia, and medications
Taking care of your pet’s teeth is important to their overall health, but it has its costs. From annual dental exams and cleanings to emergency dental care, the price of veterinary dental services can vary significantly depending on the type of facility and the level of care provided.
Vet's office: A general practice veterinary clinic providing routine dental check-ups, basic teeth cleaning, and simple extractions
Low-cost community vet clinic: An affordable veterinary facility offering basic dental services such as cleanings and minor procedures for pet owners with limited financial resources
Emergency veterinary hospital: A 24/7 facility equipped to handle urgent dental issues like severe tooth fractures, jaw injuries, or acute oral infections requiring immediate attention.
Specialty veterinary dentistry: A specialized clinic focused exclusively on advanced dental procedures such as root canals, orthodontics, oral surgeries, and complex extractions for animals with severe dental issues.
Dog tooth removal cost breakdown
A dog tooth extraction costs $10 to $200+ per tooth for the tooth removal alone, depending on the difficulty. A simple extraction can cost $10 to $40 per tooth, while a more difficult dental instrument elevated extraction can cost $100+. Surgical extractions of broken or impacted teeth requiring drilling may cost $200 or more per tooth.
But don’t let that $10 low price fool you. The tooth extraction itself is just a fraction of the total price. You’ll likely spend closer to $500 to $1,300 total to pull a dog’s tooth because of the necessary pre-operative exams, blood work, anesthesia, and medications for both before and after the procedure.
| Item | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Vet office visit cost | $40 – $80 |
| Oral exam | $50 – $90 |
| Pre-surgical dog blood work cost | $100 – $200 |
| Dog dental X-rays cost | $200 – $400 (Full-set of dental x-rays) |
| General anesthesia / sedation | $50 – $200 |
| Tooth extractions (simple) | $10 – $40 per tooth |
| Pre- and post-operative medications | $50 – $100 |
| Average total extraction cost | $500 – $1,300 |
Factors affecting dog tooth extraction price include:
Extraction difficulty: A baby tooth or simple extraction costs less than a complex extraction that requires a dental elevating instrument or drill.
Number of teeth extracted: Some vets charge a flat fee for multiple extractions, while others charge per tooth.
Dog’s size & age: Larger dogs require more anesthesia, while older dogs might need additional pre-surgical testing.
Veterinary facility: Specialty clinics and emergency hospitals charge higher prices than a regular vet office.
Geographic location: Urban vets typically have higher overhead costs and charge higher rates for their services.
Overall dental health: More severe dental issues can increase the scope of the work and the treatment costs.
Many vets will also perform a dental cleaning that costs $100 to $200 during the extraction visit to improve a dog’s overall oral health and potentially save other teeth from future extractions.
Reasons for dog tooth extractions
There are several reasons your vet may recommend a tooth extraction for your dog, including:
Periodontal disease: This is one of the main reasons for tooth extraction in dogs. Advanced periodontal disease can compromise the tooth's supporting structures, making extraction necessary to alleviate pain and prevent infections and other health problems.
Tooth fractures: Severely fractured teeth, especially when the pulp (nerve tissue) is exposed, often require extraction to prevent infection and relieve pain.
Tooth decay: While less common in dogs than in humans, severe tooth decay can lead to the need for extraction.
Tooth abscess: An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to infection. Extraction may be required to eliminate the source of infection.
Impacted or crowded teeth: Misaligned or crowded teeth can cause discomfort and may need to be removed.
Persistent deciduous (baby) teeth: If baby teeth don't fall out on their own, they may need to be extracted to make room for permanent teeth.
Oral tumors: In some cases, nearby teeth may need to be removed when treating oral tumors.
FAQs about dog tooth extraction
Does pet insurance cover dog tooth extraction?
Yes, many pet insurance plans cover tooth extractions, but coverage varies depending on the specific policy and circumstances. Carefully review your pet insurance policy to understand exactly what dental procedures are included.
What should I feed my dog after tooth extraction?
Follow your vet's recommendations about what to feed your dog after tooth extraction. Generally, they will recommend feeding only soft or wet food for several days after the surgery to make eating more comfortable. You should also avoid giving hard kibble, crunchy treats, or rawhides for at least 10 days after surgery.
How long do dogs need pain meds after tooth extraction?
Pain medication is generally given for a few days after the procedure. Dogs normally experience pain at the extraction site for about four or five days following the procedure. Veterinarians usually prescribe a post-surgery topical or oral pain reliever to alleviate most of the dog's discomfort during this time.
Do dogs need antibiotics after tooth extraction?
Your vet will decide if your dog needs antibiotics after a tooth extraction, but generally, antibiotics are not needed.
How can you avoid teeth removal for your dog?
Routine preventive dental care can help your dog avoid losing teeth. This includes brushing teeth daily, scheduling annual dental cleanings, using enzymatic toothpaste, adding dental water additives to reduce oral bacteria, and providing dental chews to clean teeth and massage gums.
Questions to ask the vet about your dog’s tooth extraction
Before taking your dog to the vet for a tooth extraction, create a list of questions to ask during the consultation, including:
Does my dog need a tooth extraction? Are there any alternatives?
How many teeth need to be extracted and which ones?
What is the procedure like? Will my dog need to be under anesthesia?
What are the risks and potential complications of the extraction?
How long will the recovery process take?
What kind of aftercare will my dog need at home?
Will my dog need pain medication or antibiotics after the procedure?
Are there any food or activity restrictions during recovery?
How soon can my dog eat and drink after the extraction?
Will the extraction affect my dog's ability to eat normally in the long term?
Are there any signs of complications I should watch for during recovery?
Will my dog need follow-up appointments? If so, when?
What can I do to prevent future dental issues and extractions for my dog?
How much will the procedure cost? Are there payment plans available?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.