How Much Does Cat Tooth Extraction Cost?

Last Updated on July 1, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Like humans, cats can develop serious dental disease and trauma requiring tooth extraction. But how much does this common feline procedure typically cost? However, fees vary widely based on the number and type of extractions, clinic location, geographic region, additional medications and care, and insurance coverage.

Cats may need one or more teeth extracted due to advanced periodontal disease, untreated cavities, and dental infections, extensive trauma, or as pre-treatment before radiation therapy for oral cancer.

While expensive, tooth extraction helps alleviate discomfort, restore dental function, and prevent worsening health complications when recommended by a veterinarian. This comprehensive guide covers the complete costs involved and smart tips for keeping your cat’s necessary dental care reasonably affordable.

How Much Does Cat Tooth Extraction Cost?

On average, cat owners can expect to spend $400 to $2,000+ to get a tooth extraction on damaged, infected, or problematic teeth removed by a veterinarian.

Average extraction fees can run:

• Simple extraction of an easy to access tooth – $300 to $600 per tooth
• Complicated surgical extraction requiring cutting gum tissue – $500 to $1,000 per tooth
• Multiple extractions in one procedure – $800 to $3,000+ total
• Full mouth extraction for stomatitis or cancer patients – $2,000 to $5,000+

Pricing for each extraction varies based on complexity, special equipment needs, medications, geography, and aftercare.

The Veterinary Centers of America (VCA) website provides detailed information on the cost of cat tooth extractions. According to the article, the average cost for a simple cat tooth extraction ranges from $200 to $400.

However, the cost can be higher, up to $800 or more, for more complex extractions, such as those involving multiple teeth or requiring additional procedures like x-rays or anesthesia. The website emphasizes that the final cost will depend on the specific needs of the cat and the veterinary clinic. The

PetMD discusses the factors that can influence the cost of cat tooth extractions. The article states that the average cost typically falls between $300 and $600, but can be as high as $800 to $1,000 for more complicated procedures.

The website notes that the cost may vary based on the location of the veterinary clinic, the complexity of the extraction, and whether additional treatments, such as antibiotics or pain medication, are required.

CareCredit, a provider of healthcare financing options, offers insights into the cost of cat dental procedures, including tooth extractions. The website suggests that the average cost for a cat tooth extraction can range from $200 to $600, depending on the specific needs of the cat and the veterinary clinic’s pricing.

The Embrace Pet Insurance website provides a breakdown of the average costs for various pet dental procedures, including cat tooth extractions. According to the website, the average cost for a simple cat tooth extraction is around $400, while more complex extractions can cost up to $800 or more.

Factors Impacting the Total Price

Several variables influence the final bill:

• Number of extractions needed and whether multiple teeth are addressed in one procedure
• Type of extraction – simple vs. complex surgical
• Specific clinic and geographic region pricing
• Any additional diagnostics, lab work, or imaging needed
• Medications provided for pain, infection, anxiety
• Aftercare instructions and follow-up exam

Discuss all costs upfront with your veterinarian so you know what to expect before consenting to proceed.

Itemized Cost Breakdown

A standard cat tooth extraction bill includes:

• Initial oral examination and assessment – $70 to $150
• Pre-anesthesia bloodwork – $80 to $250
• General anesthesia administration and monitoring – $150 to $400
• Dental x-rays to inform extraction – $200 to $450
• Actual extraction procedure cost – $300 to $1,000+ per tooth
• IV fluids and injectable medications – $50 to $300
• Elizabethan collar – $15 to $30
• Take home oral pain and antibiotic medications – $25 to $100

Total Procedure Cost – $700 to $2,500+

Surgical extractions or multiple teeth addressed in one appointment entail higher overall costs due to extended anesthesia time and efforts.

The Cat Tooth Extraction Process

Steps in the extraction procedure include:

• Pre-operative oral health examination and assessment of the damaged tooth, gum, and bone tissue
• Pre-anesthesia bloodwork panel to identify any concerning health issues
• General anesthesia administered by intravenous catheter to fully sedate the cat for procedure
• Dental radiographs to visualize the tooth root and surrounding structures
• Antiseptic scrubbing of the mouth and tooth being extracted
• Tooth removal using dental elevators and forceps
• Cleaning and flushing of the now empty tooth socket
• Closure of the gum line with dissolvable sutures if a surgical extraction
• Post-extraction dental exam of the mouth
• Subcutaneous fluid therapy to aid recovery
• Pain management injectable medication

Though invasive, extractions are low risk when performed by a licensed veterinary dental professional with proper anesthesia monitoring.

You might also like our articles about the cost of tooth extraction for a dog, bloodwork, or abscess treatment for a cat.

Smart Financial Tips

Some savvy ways to manage and budget for the costs include:

• Purchasing pet insurance or wellness plans with dental coverage ahead of time
• Applying for promotional financing through your veterinarian or third party payment companies to spread out costs interest-free
• Obtaining additional quotes from other nearby veterinary clinics to compare pricing
• Inquiring about any discounts or financial assistance programs available through your vet
• Scheduling regular preventative dental cleanings to reduce likelihood of future expensive extractions
• Setting aside a “pet emergency fund” to be prepared for dental issues

With prudent planning, necessary cat dental care becomes far more affordable.

Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?

Professional extraction is strongly recommended if your cat has:

• Severe chronic dental infection not treatable with a deep cleaning procedure alone
• Extensive untreated tooth decay and painful cavities
• Advanced periodontal disease damaging surrounding gum tissue and jawbone
• Badly cracked or fractured teeth causing chewing discomfort
• Teeth impeding effective radiation therapy for treating oral cancer
• Presence of resorptive lesions in the tooth

Given potential health risks like systemic infection, leaving severely damaged teeth should only be a very last resort.

Post-Tooth Extraction Recovery Process

The healing timeline includes:

• Week 1 – Clotted blood fills the empty tooth socket. Oral bacteria are kept at bay with medication.
• Weeks 2-4 – Granulation tissue and bone gradually fill in the extraction site. An Elizabethan collar prevents paw chewing.
• Weeks 4-8 – Gum tissue fully covers areas of exposed bone. Swelling subsides steadily.
• 2 Months – Soft tissue maturation finishes, providing a natural seal over former tooth site.

Follow all at-home care instructions provided by your veterinary team to ensure proper healing.

Are Cats Able to Eat After Tooth Loss?

Yes! With some adjustments, cats can live a full healthy life even after having multiple or even all teeth removed, just like humans with dentures or no teeth. Tips include:

• Switching to canned food or adding warm water to kibble to soften it
• Hand feeding for the first few weeks post-extractions if chewing is difficult initially
• Monitoring weight after extractions, supplementing calories if needed
• Providing items to chew on gently like dental treats
• Contacting your vet if appetite decreases or eating problems emerge

With time, cats remarkably adapt and continue enjoying daily mealtimes without their teeth.

Veterinary Dental Fees in Cats vs Dogs

Average cat dental pricing is generally 15-25% lower than comparable canine procedures. Pricing differences:

• Cat dental cleanings – $200 to $600
• Dog dental cleanings – $300 to $800
• Cat tooth extraction – $300 to $1,000 per tooth
• Dog tooth extraction – $400 to $1,500 per tooth

The size difference usually allows cats to be treated faster under anesthesia, bringing down costs. Location and clinic still impact prices for both species.

5 Year Costs of Pet Dental Care

Regular preventative dental care greatly reduces costly extractions long term. Budgeting estimates:

Annual Costs

• Dental cleaning – $200 to $400
• Oral exam – $50 to $100
• Dental x-rays – $150 to $300

Over 5 Years

• Professional dental cleanings – $1,000 to $2,000
• Routine oral health exams – $250 to $500
• Dental radiographs – $750 to $1,500

Total 5 Year Investment Per Cat – $2,000 to $4,000

This compares very favorably against just one complex surgical extraction, saving significant money while maintaining dental health.

Final Words

While often expensive, extracting hopelessly damaged or infected teeth greatly benefits cats’ long-term health and quality of life.

With smart planning and prioritization, necessary tooth removal provides renewed dental and overall wellness for beloved feline family members.