Dental illness is covered by most plans that include it as an add-on. Routine cleanings are only covered by comprehensive/wellness plans. Dental accidents are covered by almost all standard plans. The details matter enormously.
The Three Types of Dental Coverage
Pet insurance dental coverage breaks into three distinct categories — and providers treat each one differently:
1. Dental Accidents
A broken tooth from chewing on something hard, a jaw injury from a fall, or a tooth knocked out in an accident. This is covered by virtually all standard accident + illness plans automatically with no add-on needed. If your dog cracks a tooth on a bone, that's an accident claim.
2. Dental Illness
Periodontal disease, tooth root abscesses, gingivitis, stomatitis (common in cats), and infections. This is where most pet insurance policies get complicated. Some plans cover dental illness automatically, others require a dental add-on, and some exclude it entirely. Always check this specifically before buying.
3. Routine Dental Cleanings
The professional cleanings your vet recommends annually, which require anesthesia and run $300–$900 per session. These are only covered by comprehensive wellness plans — never by standard accident + illness policies. If you want cleanings covered, you need to specifically add a wellness rider.
How Much Does Pet Dental Care Actually Cost?
| Procedure | Average Cost | Covered by Standard Plan? |
|---|---|---|
| Broken/fractured tooth (accident) | $500–$2,500 | ✓ Yes (accident) |
| Tooth extraction (illness) | $300–$1,500 | ~ Add-on required |
| Periodontal disease treatment | $500–$3,000 | ~ Add-on required |
| Root canal | $1,500–$3,000 | ~ Add-on required |
| Jaw fracture repair | $1,500–$4,000 | ✓ Yes (accident) |
| Routine annual cleaning | $300–$900 | ✗ Wellness plans only |
| Stomatitis treatment (cats) | $800–$3,000 | ~ Add-on required |
Which Providers Cover Dental and How
| Provider | Dental Illness | Routine Cleanings | Dental Accidents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | Add-on available | Wellness add-on | ✓ Included |
| Healthy Paws | ✗ Not covered | ✗ Not covered | ✓ Included |
| Embrace | ✓ Included | Wellness add-on | ✓ Included |
| Trupanion | Limited coverage | ✗ Not covered | ✓ Included |
| Pets Best | ✓ Included | Wellness add-on | ✓ Included |
| ASPCA | ✓ Included | Wellness add-on | ✓ Included |
Best for dental coverage overall: Embrace and Pets Best. Both include dental illness in their standard plans without requiring an add-on — making them the top picks for breeds prone to dental disease like Toy Poodles, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Shih Tzus where dental costs are a near-certainty.
Breeds That Need Dental Coverage Most
Small and brachycephalic breeds are disproportionately prone to dental disease. Their crowded, smaller mouths lead to tartar buildup, early periodontal disease, and more frequent extractions:
- Toy and Miniature Poodles — crowded teeth, dental disease common
- Dachshunds — prone to significant tartar and gum disease
- Chihuahuas — small jaw means crowded teeth and early dental issues
- Shih Tzus — dental disease one of the most common health issues
- Cats generally — stomatitis affects a significant portion of all cats
- Yorkshire Terriers — notoriously poor dental health as a breed
The pre-existing condition trap: If your pet has had any dental issues before you enroll — even a cleaning that noted early tartar or mild gingivitis — some insurers may exclude all future dental illness claims. Enroll before any dental concerns appear in your vet records.
Is Dental Coverage Worth the Add-On Cost?
For small breeds and cats — yes, almost certainly. A single tooth extraction from periodontal disease costs $300–$800. A full-mouth extraction in a cat with stomatitis can run $1,500–$3,000. If your pet needs even one dental procedure per year, a dental add-on at $10–$20/month pays for itself quickly.
For large breed dogs with good dental health — the math is less clear. Annual cleanings are the main expense, and at $400–$600 each, a wellness add-on at $20–$30/month ($240–$360/year) is roughly a wash. The main value is peace of mind if dental disease develops unexpectedly.
See what dental coverage would add to your monthly cost
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