It can be difficult to predict if teeth need extraction when an animal is awake because tartar and movement interfere with the assessment. Severely diseased teeth can cause considerable pain and discomfort and are a source of infections for other organ systems (liver, kidney, lungs, and heart). During the dental cleaning, the teeth are evaluated, and if found to be diseased, they may require an extraction or referral to a veterinary dentist for repair. The cost of extractions varies depending on the difficulty and can range from $36 to $240 per tooth.