The Cost of Tooth Extraction for Dogs

Your veterinarian may recommend a tooth extraction if your dog has ongoing problems with one or more teeth. The cost of this procedure may vary in your area, so do some research before your dog has his tooth extracted.

Extraction is not always the first course of treatment your veterinarian may choose for your dog. He may recommend a root canal or pulpectomy, any of which can leave your dog with a functional tooth after the procedure. In other cases, your veterinarian may recommend a crown amputation, which removes the top part of the tooth, but leaves the root in the dog’s jawbone. These procedures usually offer a shorter recovery time and less discomfort than an extraction, so consider them if they are appropriate to your dog’s situation.

In some cases, though, extraction cannot be avoided. Let’s look at some of the cost considerations that go into the extraction procedure:

Depending on the part of the country in which you live and the amount of care your dog will require, a tooth extraction can cost anywhere between $150 and $600. Extraction costs depend on several factors, including the size and location of the dental problem, which tooth is affected and how much follow-up care may be required.

Location of Fracture Makes a Difference

If the affected tooth has a vertical fracture that has exposed the tooth’s pulp, for example, or if the fracture extends into the dog’s gumline, it will probably need to be extracted. On the other hand, a tooth that is merely chipped at the end and has no exposed pulp may be able to be saved intact. If the damage is confined to the crown portion of the tooth, a crown amputation may be appropriate.

Which Tooth Is Damaged Plays a Role

The location of the affected tooth in the dog’s mouth is another factor to consider. Canines and carnassial teeth are the teeth that are most likely to be broken by a dog. If the dog has damaged his carnassial tooth, which is the large fourth premolar, the time it takes to remove it is greater than the time it would take to extract another, smaller tooth, such as the canine or fang tooth in the front of the dog’s mouth.

Abscesses Can Complicate the Procedure

Another possible complication that can add to the cost of an extraction is whether or not your dog has developed an abscess in or near his broken tooth. Abscesses are fairly common in both the canine and the carnassial tooth. Your dog may need antibiotics prior to his tooth being extracted to control the accompanying infection.

Amount of Care Before, After Surgery Make a Cost Difference

The amount of care before and after the procedure factors into the final cost of the extraction, too. Before the surgery, your dog may need x-rays and blood work, and he will need anesthesia for the operation itself. Afterwards, he may require post-surgical hospitalization, additional antibiotic treatments and post-operative checkups, all of which factor into the final cost of the extraction.

Insurance May Cover Part of the Cost

Most pet health insurance companies only cover the cost of routine dental care and cleaning, but some do offer coverage for extractions. Refer to your dog’s policy or check with your pet insurance company for details.

 

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