Dog Tooth Extraction: Costs and What to Expect
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Dog dental surgery can feel overwhelming. But dog tooth extraction can improve your canine companion’s quality of life. Learn what to expect, how to prepare, and get a general estimate of costs.
No pet parents want to bring their pup to the vet for a dog tooth extraction. Yet, the removal of diseased or damaged teeth is an important part of maintaining your dog’s comfort and dental health.
Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the most common dog health issues. Studies show that 80-90 percent of dogs over the age of 3 have some degree of periodontal disease.
Let’s explore why dogs may need tooth extractions, how a vet performs this procedure, and how much it costs. We’ll also cover tips to help your dog make a full recovery and avoid dental issues in the future.
What is a Dog Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is the surgical removal of a tooth. It is typically performed as part of a dental cleaning and exam under general anesthesia.
Veterinarians may use a dog dental chart during the exam or procedure to note the type and location of teeth that need to be extracted.
If veterinarians are recommending an extraction, it is likely because the damage to the tooth cannot be reversed by cleaning alone and not removing it can cause more pain or lead to an infection.
Why Dogs May Need to Have Their Teeth Pulled
A tooth extraction is needed if a dog’s tooth is damaged, loose, infected (or has the potential to become infected), or causing pain. This can occur for many reasons, but extractions are most commonly associated with periodontal disease and fractured teeth.
Here are some common reasons a dog may need to have teeth pulled:
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is the most common dental problem affecting dogs. It is a serious and progressive condition affecting the gums, bone, and ligaments that support the teeth.
The culprit is bacteria, which creates a sticky film called plaque on the teeth. Within days, this film hardens into hard tartar (also known as calculus), setting the stage for a cascade of problems ranging from gingivitis to advanced periodontal disease. Ultimately, periodontal disease can result in pain, tooth decay, bone and tooth loss, infection, and in some cases, systemic health problems.
Fractured Teeth
Dogs, especially those who chew aggressively, can fracture their teeth on hard objects. Fractures expose the sensitive tooth pulp, causing pain and potential for infection.
Tooth Root Abscess
This severe infection occurs when a pocket of pus forms around the root of a tooth, and is usually the result of bacteria entering a broken or diseased tooth. Abscessed teeth are very painful. Depending on which tooth is affected (commonly the upper fourth premolar and first molar), a dog may develop swelling under the eye from this condition.
Other Reasons
Additional reasons for teeth extractions in dogs include
- Malocclusion (misalignment of a dog’s teeth)
- Retained deciduous teeth (when a puppy tooth fails to fall out after the permanent tooth has grown in)
- Unerupted teeth
- Teeth next to an oral tumor
In some cases, as an alternative to dog tooth extraction, a veterinary dentist may be able to perform a root canal and save the tooth.