- Home
- Dog Treatments
- Dog Tooth Extraction Cost
Dog Tooth Extraction Cost
Written By Kevin Hughes
Published: 12/09/2016Updated: 11/08/2024
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is a dog tooth extraction?
While many canine dental problems can be solved with a proper clean of teeth and gums, sometimes a more drastic solution is required to ensure the dog's wellbeing. Sometimes, the best solution for your pet is to extract the problematic tooth or teeth.
Surgical removal of a dog's tooth is usually seen as a last resort after all other treatment methods have been found ineffective. So, when a vet advises a tooth has to be removed, they won’t have made the recommendation lightly. It’s because they know it’s the best thing for the patient.
If you're worried about the prospect of taking a dog’s tooth out, that’s understandable — but this is usually a relatively straightforward procedure. In this guide, we’ll look into why your dog might need to have a tooth removed, and discuss the likely cost of dog tooth extraction.
Surgical removal of a dog's tooth is usually seen as a last resort after all other treatment methods have been found ineffective. So, when a vet advises a tooth has to be removed, they won’t have made the recommendation lightly. It’s because they know it’s the best thing for the patient.
If you're worried about the prospect of taking a dog’s tooth out, that’s understandable — but this is usually a relatively straightforward procedure. In this guide, we’ll look into why your dog might need to have a tooth removed, and discuss the likely cost of dog tooth extraction.
Tooth pain can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your dog has dental problems or is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the perfect plan for your pet in seconds.
The process of removing and extracting a tooth in dogs
Extracting a dog’s tooth is a surgical process that needs a general anesthetic. Once delivered, the vet will then assess the root structure of the tooth using oral x-rays in order to plan the extraction.
The tooth is usually extracted by pulling back the dog’s gums and using a drill to dislodge the root from its mooring in the jawbone. An incision along the base of the gums may be required to assist in this.
Once freed from the jawbone, the tooth can be pulled out and any root fragments removed. The final step is to suture (stitch) the wound closed. Extracting a dog’s tooth isn’t usually a long procedure — it should take around an hour.
The tooth is usually extracted by pulling back the dog’s gums and using a drill to dislodge the root from its mooring in the jawbone. An incision along the base of the gums may be required to assist in this.
Once freed from the jawbone, the tooth can be pulled out and any root fragments removed. The final step is to suture (stitch) the wound closed. Extracting a dog’s tooth isn’t usually a long procedure — it should take around an hour.
Efficacy of Tooth Removal in Dogs
For dental problems affecting a particular tooth, removing it is usually a success. By extracting the entirety of the affected tooth, surgical removal of a dog's tooth will usually eliminate the problem altogether (although antibiotics will be required in the event of infection, post-surgery).
While other teeth may be at risk of developing similar problems (especially if the dog has poor dental health in general), the vet will almost certainly go over some preventative options with the owner.
While other teeth may be at risk of developing similar problems (especially if the dog has poor dental health in general), the vet will almost certainly go over some preventative options with the owner.
Recovering from a tooth extraction
Following surgery for a tooth extraction, the dog will require a regular dosage of painkillers due to the fact that several nerve endings will have been severed during the procedure.
Furthermore, pet parents should monitor their dog over the next few weeks to make sure that they’re recovering properly. Warning signs include wincing and continued bleeding (caused by the wound opening up again), as well as facial swelling (which may be indicative of an infection).
There will be a couple of follow-up visits required in order for the vet to check that the incision is healing properly. Sutures should dissolve with time and the vet will check to ensure this has happened. All told, the healing process should take approximately two weeks to complete, if there are no complications.
Furthermore, pet parents should monitor their dog over the next few weeks to make sure that they’re recovering properly. Warning signs include wincing and continued bleeding (caused by the wound opening up again), as well as facial swelling (which may be indicative of an infection).
There will be a couple of follow-up visits required in order for the vet to check that the incision is healing properly. Sutures should dissolve with time and the vet will check to ensure this has happened. All told, the healing process should take approximately two weeks to complete, if there are no complications.
Cost of Tooth Removal in Dogs
The cost of dog tooth extraction will always vary, as it depends on the overall health of the individual dog, their size and the potential complexity of the required tooth or teeth removal. A dog tooth extraction cost for a single tooth will obviously be lower than multiple teeth.
A pet parent should expect a dog tooth extraction cost of anywhere between $500 and $800, subject to fluctuations. Bear in mind that many pet insurance policies can cover the cost of most of that — minus any deductibles. If you don’t have a policy, a dog tooth extraction cost without insurance has to be met completely by you.
A pet parent should expect a dog tooth extraction cost of anywhere between $500 and $800, subject to fluctuations. Bear in mind that many pet insurance policies can cover the cost of most of that — minus any deductibles. If you don’t have a policy, a dog tooth extraction cost without insurance has to be met completely by you.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Considerations before a dog tooth extraction
While a tooth extraction is a relatively quick and straightforward operation, there are a couple of aspects that may give some pet parents pause (or paws) for thought.
The first is the necessity of general anesthetic — something that can be a risk to older dogs (who are also the most likely to require the operation) or those with underlying health issues.
The second is the question of whether a tooth extraction is appropriate in their specific case. It may feel an extreme step to take — whipping a tooth out! Remember though, that a tooth extraction will only be advised by a vet when they feel it’s in your dog's best interest.
If your vet has told you your dog needs an extraction, the longer the tooth is left in their mouth, the higher the risk of significant infection and chronic pain.
If your vet has told you your dog needs an extraction, the longer the tooth is left in their mouth, the higher the risk of significant infection and chronic pain.
Preventing the need for a tooth extraction in dogs
A tooth extraction for a dog can’t always be prevented — especially if it’s required due to an accident, such as your pet fracturing the tooth by biting something that causes the damage.
However, maintaining a good standard of dental health in your dog will prevent the most common conditions that precipitate tooth extraction.
Ensuring that your dog eats good quality food and receives regular dental cleaning will prevent the buildup of harmful grime and bacteria in the mouth, saving them from the possible pain of tooth decay and infection.
Looking after your dog’s teeth properly can help to avoid dental problems in the future, reducing the risk of needing a tooth extraction or removal.
However, maintaining a good standard of dental health in your dog will prevent the most common conditions that precipitate tooth extraction.
Ensuring that your dog eats good quality food and receives regular dental cleaning will prevent the buildup of harmful grime and bacteria in the mouth, saving them from the possible pain of tooth decay and infection.
Looking after your dog’s teeth properly can help to avoid dental problems in the future, reducing the risk of needing a tooth extraction or removal.
Tooth Removal Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Miniature Pinscher
Four Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Infected Canine
My dog is between 20-30 pounds she has one bad tooth on the right side that needs to be pulled cause it hurts her and is possibly causing an infection
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
10 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
That is not uncommon, and many dogs do need dental work. She will probably be more comfortable once the tooth is taken care of. It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 16, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Beagle
Nine Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
My dog recently has 11 teeth extracted. It’s two weeks later and now she is breathing heavily and seems to be struggling to get a breath. Why would this be ?
Aug. 11, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question
. I'm sorry that she is having these troubles. Without being able to see her, it is hard to say what might be going on, it sounds like it is possible that she may have some sort of infection or congestion in her nasal passages, if some of those teeth were on the upper part of her mouth. It would probably be best to have a recirc with your veterinarian, as they can look at her, see what might be causing this problem, and get her any medication she needs so that she is more comfortable again.
I hope that all goes well for her and she feels better soon.
Aug. 11, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Pit Bull
Ten Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Excessive Bleeding From Tooth Removal
My dog got her top very back molar pulled the morning of 8/5/2020. When I picked her up in the afternoon she had some light to moderate bleeding. The night of 8/5/2020 I believe she pulled her stitches drinking her first little glass of water. Since then she has had a lot of bleeding, every time the blood clots up, the clot comes out of her mouth with more bleeding until it clots up again. I took her back to the vet, the morning of 8/6/2020. I showed him pictures and he said she was fine. It is now 11p, 8/6/2020, the clots won't stop coming out and I feel the bleeding is excessive.
Aug. 7, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Since I cannot see her, or know if the bleeding is excessive, it may be best to follow up with your veterinarian again. She may need to go back under an anesthetic and have sutures put into that area if she is bleeding excessively, and she may have a bleeding disorder, that they may want to test for. I hope that she is okay.
Aug. 7, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Yorkshire Terrier
Six Years
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lose Bottom Tooth
Wondering how much to get a tooth pulled. And if you
Can just get the tooth pulled... without getting X-rays and everything else with it.
July 9, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
11 Recommendations
Hello,
Your dog would most likely have to be sedated unless the tooth was just about to fall out and could be easily pulled. Many vets will want to give your dog antibiotics if it is infected and pain medication. Your vet can give you the cost of this procedure. It will most like run $100 to $300+ depending on what needs to be done and what is included.
July 9, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Yorkshire Terrier
BooBoo
7 Years
12 found this helpful
12 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Tooth Decay, Cyst On Lip
Hello, Our 7 year old yorkie has some tooth decay and will need surgery to have some teeth removed. I have read some of our great dental advice here so my questions for the most part have been answered so thank you ! The one thing that I would like to know is whether we should have to switch to soft foods only going forward or can he continue to eat his tiny nibble hard food ? Oh another question, will his tongue definitely hang out of his mouth if he has no front teeth or does it depend on dog ? Sorry that is two questions. Thanks for your help.
Aug. 24, 2018
12 Recommendations
We’re happy you have gotten most of your answers from the website. If there is pain whilst eating, you should switch to a wet food until you see your Veterinarian; but if dental work is done, there should be no reason not to feed dry food if BooBoo has enough teeth. The tongue shouldn’t hang out if all front teeth are removed. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 24, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Miniature Pinscher
Mimi
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Groggy, Sleepy, Whimpering, Pain
My baby, 12 yo Min pin (about 13-14 pounds) had 2 dental procedures in the past 6 months. 6 months ago he had his left Canine removed and yesterday we went back and removed 4 bottom front teeth that was lose and bad smelling. Thank god everything went well and he is doing good! He was taking Gabapentin for the 1st extraction, now he is taking 1/4 Tramadol for every 8 hours. He still has some foul smell in his mouth but it has been only 2 days since the 2nd extraction.
In the past i have his teeth professionally cleaned. 3 times. None anesthetic.
Now, i learned that dental extraction can be risky, costly, i brush my dogs teeth everyday! its very important. I do feed my dogs soft food also. Just food for dogs. Its better for small dogs. And i dont let my small dogs play with hard toys due to dental fracture.
Miniature Pinscher
Dave
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Licking
Increased Appetite
My dog Dave (7lbs) had 10 teeth removed today. He was not lethargic afterwards, but I could tell he was in pain. I have been monitoring him all day and trying to do whatever I can to make him comfortable. He went into the vet at 8am and I was able to pick him up at 1pm. We got home around 2 and I fed him a small meal of soft dog food and beef broth. I wasn't expecting it, but he had a big appetite. I fed him another small meal of soft dog food (half of a 3.5oz cup) a couple hours later (half a He was surprisingly still hungry and kept "asking" for food. I fed him some more a few hours later (the other half of the 3.5oz cup) The amount he had today was around the same as he has on a normal day, maybe a little more. I just remembered the vet said to feed him half the amount I normally would. Is it okay that I fed him more? He seems fine, but I still feel bad because I didn't follow the vets orders. Thank you
