Dental disease is extremely common in cats, with studies suggesting that over 70% of cats over the age of three have some form of dental problem. If your vet has recommended a tooth extraction, here is what to expect in terms of cost.

Average Tooth Extraction Costs

  • Simple extraction (single tooth, loose): £200 to £350
  • Surgical extraction (single tooth, requiring sectioning): £300 to £500
  • Multiple extractions: £400 to £800+
  • Full mouth extraction (severe stomatitis): £800 to £1,500

These prices typically include the general anaesthetic, the extraction itself, and basic pain relief. Dental X-rays, which are increasingly considered essential, may be an additional £100–£200.

What Affects the Price

Number of Teeth

The biggest cost factor is how many teeth need to come out. A single simple extraction is straightforward, but cats with severe dental disease may need multiple or even all teeth removed in one procedure.

Complexity

Some teeth are harder to extract than others. Canine teeth have long roots and often need surgical extraction with sectioning. Teeth affected by feline resorptive lesions (formerly called FORLs) can be very fragile and technically difficult to remove. Complex extractions take longer, increasing anaesthetic time and cost.

Dental X-rays

Pre-operative dental X-rays are now considered best practice, as they reveal root problems not visible during examination. Not all practices have dental X-ray equipment, and those that do typically charge £100–£200 for a full mouth series. This is a worthwhile cost, as it ensures all diseased teeth are identified and no root fragments are left behind.

Practice Type

The CMA found that corporate-owned practices charge an average of 17% more than independent practices. With average UK consultation fees at £62 (up 63% since 2016), the gap between the cheapest and most expensive practice in your area can be significant.

What Should Be Included

A dental procedure quote should cover:

  • Pre-anaesthetic check
  • General anaesthetic with monitoring
  • Dental examination under anaesthetic
  • Scaling and polishing (often included)
  • Extraction of affected teeth
  • Intra-operative pain relief (nerve blocks and injectable pain relief)
  • Take-home pain medication (typically 3–5 days)
  • Post-operative check

How to Save

  • Pet insurance: Most policies cover dental extractions when medically necessary (not cosmetic). Check your policy for dental-specific exclusions or sub-limits.
  • Preventive dental care: Regular tooth brushing, dental diets, and annual dental checks can delay or prevent the need for extractions.
  • Compare practices: Dental surgery prices vary widely. Use VetCost to compare prices at practices near you.
  • Ask about staged treatment: If multiple extractions are needed, some vets can stage the treatment over two procedures, spreading the cost (though this means two anaesthetics).
  • Charity support: The PDSA and Blue Cross offer dental treatment for pets of owners on qualifying benefits.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: British Veterinary Dental Association, CMA veterinary market investigation (2025), VetCost practice data.