Does pet insurance cover dental treatments?
Written by
Victoria Hayes
Reviewed by
Prof. Henry Webster, Ph.D.Dental coverage is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of pet insurance. Most accident-and-illness plans cover dental conditions related to trauma and disease, such as a broken tooth from chewing on an inappropriate object or a tooth infected due to periodontal disease. However, routine dental cleanings are optional add-ons available only through wellness packages. Know the difference to avoid surprises later when you file a claim.
Trauma-Related Issues
- Fractured teeth from accidents or hard chew toys
- Tooth extractions due to impact damage
- Jaw injuries requiring dental intervention
- Oral lacerations needing surgical repair
Disease-Based Treatments
- Periodontal disease treatments including deep cleanings
- Tooth extractions for advanced decay
- Gingivitis treatments with antibiotics
- Oral tumor removal surgeries
Breed-Specific Considerations
- Small breeds often need more frequent dental care
- Bulldogs prone to dental crowding issues
- Greyhounds susceptible to enamel defects
- Exclusions may apply for breed-specific conditions
Accidental injury to teeth. Regardless of the cause, tooth removal due to extraction or an accident resulting in damage, such as being struck by a vehicle, auto accidents, falls, etc., would be covered by a dental policy. In assessing damage to the root, X-rays taken to evaluate bones and teeth will be covered. Accidents relating to jaw fractures will also be covered as dental procedures. These are common accident cases and will usually be reimbursed at a rate of eighty to ninety percent.
Dental treatments for specific diseases. For diagnosed brush and gum diseases, documentation from the veterinarian will be required, stating that the treatment is medically necessary. Periodontal disease includes deep cleaning and scraping the teeth under anesthesia, which is typically covered by dental insurance for pets with severe, progressive cases. Some pet policies place caps on the amount reimbursed for "dental disease" diagnoses, so confirm your pet policy before the procedure.
Routine dental care costs extra for us wellness add-ons. These wellness add-ons typically cost one and can equal the cost of an annual cleaning, which ranges from $100 to $300. Plaque prevention treatments or dental sealants are two examples, and without the additional add-ons, such as cleanings for tartar removal, they are excluded regardless of your dental health.
"Cosmetic" policies often exclude dental work such as teeth whitening. Even teeth cleaning may not be covered. If your dog has a pre-existing dental condition, it will not be covered under this policy. Some insurers also offer breed-specific exclusions for breeds more prone to dental issues. Ensure you document your pup's dental history before enrollment, as any disputes could escalate.
Preventive dental care can save money in the long run. Brush your pet's teeth regularly with pet-specific veterinary toothpaste. Give your pet dental chews that carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of acceptance. Schedule professional cleanings before a problem arises. All these routine habits will help keep your sweetie healthy and save you an expensive trip to the veterinarian.
Read the full article: 10 Essential Pet Insurance Benefits Explained
