Dental cleaning cost
Dental cleanings are done under anesthesia, and extractions can raise the bill a lot.
Updated October 15, 2026 · US prices · 5 sources · see sources
| Item | Typical US price | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Published price, median of 216 practices | $461 (most $400–$588) | [1] |
| Average from 72 price reports | $668 (range $200–$1,500) | [2] |
| Dog dental bills shared by owners | $700–$1,350 | [3] |
| Cat dental bills shared by owners | $350–$1,450 | [3] |
Ranges come from the sources below, and each one measures something slightly different (published prices, owner invoices or planning budgets). Your vet's estimate is what counts. Older figures, like the ASPCA's 2021 table, are probably lower than today's prices.
What affects the cost
- Extractions Each tooth that comes out adds $50–$400 or more. This moves the bill more than anything else. [4]
- Your dog’s size Anesthesia is about $150 for a 10-pound dog and $350 or more for a 100-pound dog. [4]
- Breed Small breeds often have higher bills despite cheaper anesthesia, because they tend to need more extractions. [4]
- How far along the dental disease is Light tartar is the cheaper visit. Advanced gum disease costs much more. [4]
- Full-mouth extraction Cats with severe mouth inflammation can need it, at $1,000–$3,000 or more. [5]
- Blood work Some quotes include it and some bill $50–$150 on top. [5]
- The kind of practice Cat-only practices can charge more than general practices. [5]
📍 Regional note
- Where you live Dental work costs more in big cities than in rural areas. [4]
Ways to save
- Ask for the cleaning-only price and the per-tooth price A cleaning with no extractions is $300–$600. Extractions are not known for certain until the X-rays are taken. [4]
- Ask how extractions are priced Some practices charge per tooth. Others have a flat extraction package that can cost less when several teeth need work. [4]
- Ask about dental month discounts Many vets take 10–20% off dental cleanings in February and March. [4]
- Ask if dental X-rays are in the quote Some practices include them. Others add $100–$250. [4]
- Ask two or three practices for an itemized estimate Dental quotes vary more than most, because nobody knows the number of extractions in advance. [4]
- Ask how often your dog needs a cleaning Most dogs need one every 1 to 2 years, so it helps to plan for it as a regular cost. [4]
- If many teeth are coming out, ask for one total A single quote for the whole job can be cheaper than per-tooth pricing. [5]
- If your cat is insured, ask how extractions are written up Insurers look for extractions recorded as medically necessary due to disease. [5]
Questions to ask your vet
Print this or bring it on your phone.
Common questions
How much does a dog teeth cleaning cost?
Published base prices center around $461, but owner-reported dog bills commonly run $700–$1,350 once anesthesia, X-rays and extractions are included.
Why did my estimate change after cleaning?
Problems like a tooth needing extraction are often found during the cleaning itself.
How much does a dog dental cleaning cost?
Based on 16 real dental invoices, dog dental cleanings typically cost between $700 and $1,350. Important: most dental visits include at least one extraction, which drives the cost up significantly. A cleaning-only visit (no extractions) typically runs $300–$600. With extractions, expect $600–$1,500+. Based on VetReceipt's data, about 80% of dental invoices include extractions. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much do tooth extractions add to the cost?
Extractions are the single biggest variable on a dental bill. Simple single-root extractions (incisors) cost $50–$150 per tooth. Complex multi-root extractions (molars, carnassials) cost $150–$400+ per tooth because they require surgical techniques and more anesthesia time. Based on VetReceipt's data, dental bills with extractions average roughly double the cost of cleaning-only bills. (Source: VetReceipt)
Why does dog dental cleaning require anesthesia?
General anesthesia ($150–$350) is required for a thorough cleaning because dogs won't hold still for scaling below the gumline, dental X-rays, and probe measurements. "Anesthesia-free" cleanings ($100–$300) only remove visible tartar on the tooth surface and miss the most important areas. Anesthesia is typically the second-largest item on the dental bill after the cleaning procedure itself. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does a cat dental cleaning cost?
Based on 10 real invoices, cat dental cleanings typically cost between $350 and $1,450. A cleaning-only visit (no extractions): $250–$500. With extractions: $500–$1,500+. Based on VetReceipt's data from dog dentals (similar pattern), about 80% of dental visits include at least one extraction. (Source: VetReceipt)
How do cat dental costs compare to dog dental costs?
Cat dental cleanings are generally 10–20% less expensive than dog dentals because cats are smaller (less anesthesia, shorter procedure time). However, cats are uniquely prone to tooth resorption, which often requires multiple extractions — so the extraction portion can push cat dental bills to the same level as dogs. Anesthesia and X-ray costs are similar regardless of pet size. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much do cat tooth extractions add to the cost?
Simple single-root extractions: $50–$150 per tooth. Complex multi-root extractions: $150–$400+ per tooth. Cats with tooth resorption often need multiple teeth extracted — sometimes full-mouth extractions ($1,000–$3,000+). The number of extractions is the single biggest cost variable and can't be predicted until the cat is under anesthesia and X-rays are taken. (Source: VetReceipt)
Breeds with related health issues
These breed pages mention a related health issue, based on AKC, CFA and PetMD breed information. It doesn't mean every pet of the breed will need this.
Related guides
Sources
- PawsRx – Vet prices published by 1,009 US practices (Oct 2026)
- VetTally – Veterinary cost statistics, 932 reports (Oct 2026)
- VetReceipt – Vet cost guides from 2,900+ owner bills
- VetReceipt – Dog Dental Cleaning Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Cat Dental Cleaning Cost (owner bills, 2026)
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