Last updated: September 2026
Quick answer: A professional dental clean (scale and polish under general anaesthetic) for a dog in the UK typically costs around £440, with most practices charging between about £295 and £695. If extractions are needed, the bill can rise to £600–£1,200 or more. Routine cleaning isn’t covered by pet insurance, but dental illness often is, as long as you’ve kept up with the dental checks your policy requires.
This guide explains what drives the price, what can be added once your dog is under anaesthetic and how to avoid bigger bills later.
How much does a dog dental cost?
| Treatment | Typical UK price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dental assessment, scale and polish | £440 median, £295–£695 range | Rightvet, published prices at 678 practices, June 2026 |
| Simple extraction (added to the dental) | Around £30–£80 per tooth | Vet Cost Index |
| Complex or surgical extraction | Around £80–£200+ per tooth | Vet Cost Index |
| Dental with multiple extractions | Around £600–£1,200+ | Vet Cost Index |
Why a dog dental costs so much
Most of the bill is the general anaesthetic, not the cleaning. A dog can’t hold still for cleaning below the gum line, where much of dental disease sits, so a proper dental needs a vet, a nurse, anaesthetic monitoring and often dental X-rays. That is also why the final price is often only known once the vet can examine the mouth fully under anaesthetic.
What might be added on the day
Ask what the published price includes and what may be added:
- Pre-anaesthetic blood tests, often recommended for older dogs.
- Dental X-rays, which reveal problems below the gum line.
- Extractions, charged per tooth or by complexity.
- Pain relief and antibiotics to take home.
Most practices will phone you before doing extractions that weren’t in the estimate. Under the CMA reforms, you’re entitled to a written estimate for treatment likely to cost £500 or more; see your rights after the CMA vet review.
Does pet insurance cover dental treatment?
- Routine scale and polish: not covered.
- Dental accidents, such as a broken tooth: usually covered on accident and illness policies.
- Dental illness, such as gum disease needing extractions: covered by some policies, often only if your dog has had the annual dental checks the policy requires.
Ask your vet to record a dental check at every annual appointment. See does pet insurance cover routine care?
How to keep dental costs down
- Don’t wait. A routine dental when tartar is mild usually costs far less than extractions later.
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly; it’s the most effective home care.
- Use a health plan discount. Some plans give money off dental procedures; see vet health plans.
- Get a second estimate for large quotes involving many extractions.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to have a dog’s teeth cleaned in the UK?
Around £440 at the typical practice, and more if extractions are needed.
Can a dog’s teeth be cleaned without anaesthetic?
Not properly. Cleaning below the gum line needs a general anaesthetic.
How often does a dog need a dental?
It depends on the dog. Some small breeds need them regularly; others rarely. Your vet will advise at check-ups.
Does insurance cover tooth extractions?
Sometimes, for dental illness or accidents, if your policy includes dental cover and you’ve kept up with required checks.
How much is a vet check-up before a dental?
A standard consultation costs around £60; see vet consultation costs.
Key takeaways
- A dog scale and polish typically costs around £440, from about £295 to £695.
- Extractions can take the bill to £600–£1,200 or more.
- The anaesthetic is most of the cost.
- Insurance doesn’t cover routine cleaning, but may cover dental illness if you keep up with checks.
Prices are typical ranges based on published data, not quotes. Your vet will advise on your dog’s dental care.