CostByBreedCondition guide
Pet insurance for dental disease
Treatment of dental disease, such as extractions for diseased teeth, is covered by many accident and illness policies, while routine cleanings are usually classed as preventive care and need a wellness add on if they are covered at all. Many policies also require regular dental checks or cleanings for dental claims to count.
What it is
Dental disease is the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, with inflammation of the gums and, in advanced cases, damage to the tissues and bone that hold teeth in place. Owners often visit a vet because of bad breath, sore gums, loose teeth, or a pet that seems reluctant to chew.
What treatment typically costs
Professional dental cleaning for a dog or cat, before any extractions typically runs $300 to $700 and up
Source: CareCredit, How Much Does Cat or Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost?, 2026. A range this wide reflects how much the bill depends on the treatment chosen and where you live.
How policies treat it
Treatment of dental disease, such as extractions for diseased teeth, is covered by many accident and illness policies, while routine cleanings are usually classed as preventive care and need a wellness add on if they are covered at all. Many policies also require regular dental checks or cleanings for dental claims to count.
What a claim would pay
A worked example
- The bill for treating dental disease comes to $500.
- The yearly deductible takes off $500, leaving $0.
- The policy reimburses 80 percent of $0, which is $0.00.
The policy pays $0.00 and you pay $500.00.
Example terms only: a $500 yearly deductible and 80 percent reimbursement, with the deductible not yet met this year. Your own policy terms decide a real claim.
Breeds most associated with dental disease
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Frequently asked questions
Does pet insurance cover dental disease?
Treatment of dental disease, such as extractions for diseased teeth, is covered by many accident and illness policies, while routine cleanings are usually classed as preventive care and need a wellness add on if they are covered at all. Many policies also require regular dental checks or cleanings for dental claims to count.
What does dental disease treatment cost?
Professional dental cleaning for a dog or cat, before any extractions typically runs $300 to $700 and up. Source: CareCredit, How Much Does Cat or Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost?, 2026.
Is dental disease hereditary?
For the breeds on this page it is one of the conditions breed registries and studies track, which is why hereditary coverage in a policy matters. The breed pages list the evidence breed by breed.
What waiting period applies to dental disease?
Illness waiting periods are commonly 14 days, and orthopedic conditions carry longer waits at some insurers, up to six months, sometimes reducible with a vet exam. The policy treatment section above names the insurers whose documents say so.
Treatment costs: CareCredit, How Much Does Cat or Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost?, 2026. Policy treatment: the insurers' own published policy documents and term pages, captured October 27, 2026. Premium benchmark: North American Pet Health Insurance Association, State of the Industry Report, 2026 edition, reporting 2025 data. See the methodology page for how every source is used.