While the cost of a dog tooth cleaning varies from region to region, Veterinary Pet Insurance says submitted claims average $300. Overall, the final price depends on the condition of the dog's teeth and the necessity for pre-anesthetic lab work.
Steps to a Dog Teeth Cleaning
The first step involves anesthetics. Your dog will sleep during the entire procedure. This prevents the risk of the veterinarian being bitten during the tooth cleaning and eliminates the possibility of stressing your dog.
X-rays are taken to view the tooth and jawbone health. The vet uses the x-rays to determine if there are underlying health problems requiring a tooth extraction.
The dog's mouth is flushed with an antibacterial solution and then an ultrasonic machine is used to remove any tartar from each tooth from below the gumline to the top of the tooth. A second solution is used to dye any tartar that remains. If necessary, the ultrasonic machine is used to remove the remaining tartar.
A small buffer then removes any small scratches to the teeth. A visual inspection is done to check for gum disease and then a second antibacterial rinse is given. Some veterinary dentists will then apply a solution to keep plaque from forming before taking your pet off the anesthesia.
As your pet wakes up, the vet will instruct you to at home tooth cleaning care and discuss any problems found during the dog tooth cleaning exam.
Cost of a Dog Tooth Cleaning Broken Down
The price of a dog tooth cleaning is driven by the cost of the veterinarian's overhead and equipment costs. While under anesthesia the dog's vital signs must be monitored closely. The equipment used to monitor vital signs starts at $2,000 usually.
The ultrasonic scaler ranges from $1,900 to $3,000. You also need to add in the cost of the x-ray equipment, tables, equipment trays, lights, pulse oximeters and tooth extraction equipment. Combined, this equipment costs upwards of $13,000 and that's for the less expensive models.
On top of the equipment, the veterinarian must earn his own living and also pay his assistants and office workers. Therefore, he has to charge enough to cover the rent, salaries, equipment payments and utilities. This is why most dental cleanings cost $300 or more depending on what is required.
Dog Tooth Cleaning Prices Vary Greatly
If you ask dog owners what they are paying, you'll find the quotes for teeth cleaning vary greatly. Look at the other bills pet owners faced:
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Beagle in Arizona - $1,100 for cleaning and one extraction
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Boxer in Kentucky - $248 for cleaning
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Chihuahua in Florida - $631 for a cleaning and four extractions
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Maltese in South Carolina - $117 for a basic cleaning
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Pug in California - $85 for a mobile tooth cleaning veterinarian
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Welch Corgi in California - $594 for cleaning
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Westie in Washington - $342 for cleaning
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Yellow Lab in New York - $927 for cleaning and one extraction
Because prices vary greatly, it often pays to check prices at different veterinarians, especially if you have a tight budget. One pet owner saved $500 by taking her Cocker Spaniel to a veterinarian in a neighboring town for a basic cleaning.