Does Pet Insurance Cover Teeth Extraction?

You notice your pet has begun having trouble eating. They seem to be drooling more and tilting their head from side to side as they chew. Oh, and their breath has gotten extra funky. Uh-oh, they may have one or more bad teeth that need to come out. And dental surgery can be very expensive! That’s why many pet parents wonder, “Does pet insurance cover teeth extraction?”

The quick answer is, yes, most pet insurance plans will cover teeth extractions, but coverage is very dependent on the plan you choose. Let’s dive into this topic a bit more.

Reasons for Pet Tooth Extractions

There are a variety of reasons your vet may decide to extract one or more of your fur baby’s teeth. According to the Merck Manual, there are three common reasons teeth are pulled in our pets:

Periodontal Disease

This is an advanced form of gum disease that occurs due to buildup of bad oral bacteria and plaque. The gums become inflamed and painful, and teeth can become loose and begin to decay. 

Unerupted Teeth

Just like people have baby teeth and adult teeth, so do our pets. Dog and cat permanent adult teeth should appear around 6-7 months of age. If these adult teeth fail to erupt, it can lead to oral health problems.

Fractured Teeth

Fractured teeth happen frequently and are usually caused by an external trauma or chewing on a hard object. If the broken tooth cannot be repaired with a root canal, your vet will pull the tooth.

How Much Do Tooth Extractions Cost?

The cost to remove a single tooth can vary quite a bit, ranging from $500 all the way to $2,500. Your cost will depend on a variety of factors, such as the level of damage, the type of tooth, your location (rural vs big city) and the facility you take your pet to. 

The best thing to do is ask your vet for a quote. Be sure to ask about additional expenses. Many vets will quote the price of the actual procedure, but leave out other costs associated with x-rays, anesthesia and antibiotics. 

What Does Pet Dental Insurance Cover Exactly?

That entirely depends on whether you have chosen an accident-only plan or an accident and illness plan.

With an accident-only plan, you will be covered for tooth extractions that are a result of some sort of accident. So should your fur baby break a tooth chewing on a bone, that would be covered. But if the extractions are a result of poor oral health and periodontal disease, they would not be covered. 

A more comprehensive accident and illness plan will cover both dental accidents and illnesses.

The following are typically covered under most accident and illness plans:

• Crowns
• Damaged teeth
• Deciduous (baby) and permanent tooth extractions
• Dental malocclusion
• Dentigerous cysts
• Dentistry anesthesia
• Gingivitis 
• Gum disease
• Root canals
• Stomatitis

Keep in mind that each pet insurance provider offers different plans with different coverage and exclusions. That’s why it’s important to read the fine print before enrolling your pet.

What Isn’t Covered by Pet Dental Insurance?

There are some fairly common exclusions found with most pet insurance providers.

• Routine dental cleanings
• Cosmetic procedures
• Endodontic or orthodontic services
• Pre-existing conditions 

Which Pet Insurance Companies Cover Teeth Extractions?

Most companies offer some form of coverage for accidents and illnesses. Your coverage limits will depend on the policy you choose and reimbursement rates.

We have ranked the top insurance providers in the market based on over 150,000 honest reviews from real pet parents like you. 

Top Pet Insurance Providers of 2024

Rating	Provider	Total Review
4.9	Embrace	10,254
4.9	Healthy Paws	7,461
4.9	Fetch	171
4.9	Lemonade	774
4.8	Trupanion	55,007
4.8	Nationwide	21,391
4.8	Prudent Pet	124
4.7	ASPCA	5,692
4.7	Hartville	164
4.7	MetLife	408
4.7	PetPartners	98
4.7	Spot	159
4.5	Pets Best	7,187
4.4	AKC	889
4.4	Figo	587
4.3	Pet Assure	12
4.3	Pumpkin	54
3.4	ManyPets	10

Is it Worth it to Have Pet Dental Insurance?

That really depends on your budget. If your pet were to suddenly break a tooth or be diagnosed with periodontal disease and need multiple teeth extracted, could you afford a bill in the thousands of dollars?

Sadly our pets are prone to dental disease. Many of them are not too keen on us trying to brush their teeth every day and they simply refuse to do it themselves! Add to this the fact that our pets use their mouth to play and explore the world, which makes cracking or breaking a tooth very easy.

The great thing about having a comprehensive accident and illness plan is not only will you be covered for teeth extractions but also for other injuries and illnesses. Pet insurance gives you peace of mind and the best chance at getting your fur baby the medical help they need when they need it.

References:

1. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/dental-disorders-of-dogs
2. https://www.metlifepetinsurance.com/blog/pet-planning/dog-tooth-extraction-cost/

 

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.