How much do cat oral surgery and tooth extractions cost?

Cats often require surgical dental procedures such as tooth extractions to treat dental disease or injuries to the mouth. The causes behind the conditions that require surgical dental procedures in cats are very common, so it helps to financially prepare for an unexpected surgery. If you are a cat owner, read on if you have ever asked:

• Why does my cat need oral surgery?
• How common are oral surgical procedures in cats?
• How much do surgical dental procedures cost for cats?
• How do I know if my cat has poor oral health or a broken jaw?

Periodontal disease from poor dental hygiene is one of the most common reasons why a cat may need a surgical tooth extraction. However, good oral hygiene in cats does not prevent other common conditions that require oral surgery as treatment. These necessary procedures can be expensive for cat owners, so it’s important to have a plan in place for unexpected vet bills.

Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure for cats and is needed for a variety of reasons. A cat’s tooth may need to be removed due to:

• Periodontal disease
• Tooth resorption
• Fractured or loose teeth from injuries
• Stomatitis
• Developmental problems of the mouth or teeth

Periodontal disease and tooth resorption are both common types of dental disease in cats that sometimes lead to a need for dental extraction. Trauma to the face and teeth may result in loose or broken teeth that need to be removed to prevent infection and provide long-term pain relief. Other health conditions, such as stomatitis, and developmental issues, such as unerupted teeth, may also require teeth removal.

Cats sometimes require oral surgery that goes beyond removing teeth. Oral surgery may be needed for:

• Fractured jaws
• Cleft palates
• Oral tumors

Cleft palates occur most commonly as a birth defect, and surgery may be necessary to allow the affected kitten to eat normally. Likewise, a broken jaw resulting from trauma can prevent a cat from eating normally and can be very painful. Oral tumors can also prevent a cat from eating depending on their location, and they also need to be removed to prevent or treat cancer.

How do cats get broken jaws?

Any kind of blunt force trauma to the face can result in a broken jaw. There are many different instances of blunt force trauma that are common to cats, such as:

• Car accidents or being hit by cars
• Falling from a high place
• Bites from larger animals

While it may not seem like a serious injury at the time, cats can even fracture their jaw by getting caught in a door or being tripped over while underfoot. It’s important to check closely for any signs of injury when these accidents occur and to talk to a vet if you are concerned. In addition, certain health conditions can lead to weaker jawbones, increasing the risk of jaw fractures when an accident occurs.

How common are jaw surgeries and tooth extractions in cats?

Oral health issues such as gum disease and tooth resorption are the most common reasons why a cat may require a tooth extraction. Over 85% of cats develop dental disease, typically gum disease or tooth resorption, before the age of two. Tooth fractures are also fairly common and often require treatment by extracting the affected tooth.

Jaw fractures are also common but less so than other types of dental issues. Outdoor cats are the most likely to break their jaws due to a greater risk of being hit by cars or fighting with other animals. However, indoor cats are still susceptible to accidents and can be hit in the face with doors, brooms, and even the feet of their owners. If a cat has a broken jaw, they likely have trauma to the teeth as well that may require dental extraction.

Any surgery, including oral and dental surgery, can be costly. These costs are due to:

• Anesthesia medication and monitoring
• IV fluids and medications
• The type and length of the procedure
• Medication to take home after the procedure

Costs for these necessary services range widely depending on the type and length of the procedure, and they can add $200 to over $500 to the total bill. There are also presurgical services that may add to the cost, such as:

• A physical exam
• Oral X-rays
• Blood work
• Chest X-rays or EKG

The average cost of these services varies and can add anywhere from around $100 to over $400 to the total cost. Finally, the cost of tooth extraction usually adds $100 to $500 per tooth, depending on the complexity of the extraction.

Altogether, the cost of a cat’s dental surgery can start as low as $500 and reach into the thousands for complex cases. The biggest factors determining a surgery’s cost are:

• Length and total number of procedures
• Complexity of the repair or tooth extraction
• Extent of other injuries
• Overall health of the cat

A cat with a complex broken jaw likely has other injuries to the mouth and body that can add to the cost of treatment. The total cost to repair a jaw fracture often runs from $1,000 to $3,000. Although not all jaw fractures require surgery, some are more complex and require the services of a surgical or dental specialist.

How can I offset the cost of my cat’s surgical procedure?

It’s not always possible to prevent dental injuries or illnesses that require surgery. Therefore, it’s important for cat owners to have a plan in place to cover emergency vet bills for their pets. Dental insurance can help cover the cost of many dental and oral problems. Always read the dental insurance policy closely to know what is covered. In addition, your pet’s dental policy needs to be in place before the dental treatment is needed, and pet owners may need to pay the costs up front and then wait for the pet insurance provider to reimburse them. Establishing an emergency fund or having an emergency credit card are other ways to prepare for the costs of a trip to the emergency hospital.

Is anesthesia needed for my cat’s dental procedure?

All dental procedures, even routine cleanings, always require the use of anesthesia for the safety of both the cat and the veterinarian. Anesthesia reduces a cat's stress and stops them from moving while they have sharp dental instruments in their mouths. It is impossible for a veterinarian to thoroughly examine, clean, treat, or pull teeth while a cat is awake. In addition, anesthesia provides much-needed pain relief during the procedure. The risks of anesthesia are low and further minimized with preanesthetic testing and close monitoring by veterinary staff.

Many cats don’t make it obvious when they are in pain, even when that pain is severe. Hiding may be the only symptom you notice, and that can be easy to overlook. Symptoms of dental problems may be mild or nonexistent in most cats. When clinical signs are present, they can include:

• Visible resorptive lesions or fractures of the teeth
• Bad breath
• Favoring one side of the mouth
• Difficulty eating or dropping food
• Showing a new preference for soft food
• Swallowing hard food whole
• Hiding more or showing aggressive behaviors

“The majority of cats will continue to eat normally even with severe dental disease,” states Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian at Vetster. “Don’t assume your cat’s teeth are healthy simply because they are eating fine or seem otherwise okay.”

Cats with jaw fractures may have additional symptoms such as:

• Lower jaw hanging down
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
• Excessively drooling
• Visual facial deformity or malalignment
• Bleeding from the mouth or nose
• Lack of appetite or difficulty eating
• Elevated third eyelids or sunken eyes
• Visible bruising or swelling around the face

Some causes of dental extractions, such as periodontal disease, can be prevented. Routine dental care at home and with a veterinarian helps to both prevent gum disease and treat it before it progresses when it does occur. Because their cause is currently unknown, resorptive lesions cannot be prevented.

Broken teeth and jaw fractures cannot always be prevented, as their cause is often accidental. Indoor cats are less likely to experience trauma due to their lower exposure to cars, other cats, and wild animals. When traveling by car with your cat, facial trauma may be prevented by strapping their carrier down. Cats that like rubbing against legs can be accidentally struck if underfoot when humans are playing sports, doing chores, and other household activities. Keeping them away from areas of high activity can also help prevent facial trauma.

If your cat is currently showing signs of dental problems or you want to learn more about your cat’s dental health, you can talk to a licensed vet on Vetster in a virtual vet appointment.

How much does it cost to fix a cat’s broken jaw?

The costs associated with treating a broken jaw in cats varies widely depending on the severity of the fracture and whether other injuries are present. Not all broken jaws require surgery to fix. The cost of repairing your cat’s broken jaw may range between $1,000 to $3,000 or more if other injuries are present. Every situation is unique, so the best way to learn how much it will cost to fix your cat's specific problem is to speak with a veterinarian.

How much does it cost to get a cat’s tooth extracted?

The cost of a cat’s tooth extraction varies depending on the complexity of the extraction, how many teeth are being extracted, and other associated services such as chest or dental X-rays and anesthesia. The costs typically range from $500 for simple extractions to over $1,000 in total. The veterinarian usually provides an estimate for you when choosing the best treatment for your cat's problem, so you can get a more precise idea of the cost at that time.

Why is cat dental work so expensive?

The cost of dental work can become expensive due to the length and complexity of procedures, as well as the amount of care and medication the cat requires for treatment. Dental insurance can help offset some of these costs, and routine dental care can prevent periodontal disease that is expensive to treat.