Is a dog tooth extraction necessary for baby teeth? What is the cost of a dog tooth extraction?

Original Question: Perla has 4 retained deciduous baby teeth that need to be removed and I want to know how much it will cost? - Adriana

Aug 19, 2018

Hi Adriana,

Thanks for your question.

Is a dog tooth extraction necessary for baby teeth?

The baby teeth, or deciduous teeth, typically fall out on their own by the age of 6 months. They can persist in the mouth in some dogs, particularly small breed dogs.

It’s possible that these teeth can interfere with the position of the mature adult teeth as they erupt. They can also cause oral discomfort from dental crowding and create a tight space where large food particles can get stuck creating more inflammation and oral disease. For these reasons, veterinarians recommend that they be removed.

They are typically removed when the cat or dog undergoes a general anesthetic for a spay or neuter procedure. It is an ‘add-on’ procedure that adds a nominal amount to the bill for each tooth extracted or the time it takes to perform it. The cost of spays and neuters are typically much less expensive than the cost of general surgery or any other kind that takes the same amount of time, expertise, medication, and resources. In short, when it is performed during a spay or neuter, it is inexpensive. If you have to have an entire general anesthetic performed just to remove the deciduous teeth, you’re likely going to pay for a full general anesthetic and surgical charges unrelated to a cheaper spay or neuter, so in that case, it is much more expensive. Clients are often frustrated if a veterinarian does not remove the deciduous teeth during a spay/neuter or the client themselves decline having them removed at that time in the attempt to save money.

What is the cost of a dog tooth extraction?

I can’t tell you the prices for this because it’s not prudent. The simple fact is that different clinics will charge different amounts for these procedures and my recommendation would be to call around and get quotes. I’ll caution you about going with the cheapest price because it may not include very important supportive medications or procedures such as IV fluids, pain medication, a collar, post-surgical medications and more. Make sure you ask about what you get for each quote and what other charges may be recommended at the time of the procedure.