the problem with bad teeth is they can abscess and cause severe pain. I had a tooth abscess and it was seriously more painful then when I had natural childbirth! And the infection can travel via the blood and damage heart muscle.
That being said, 1500 for us right now would be out of the question for teeth. I guess we'd do what we had to but I doubt we honestly could make it work for dental on a 13yo animal. .... and this is from a person who spent 5000 for back surgery + rehab and chiropractic appts for the next 7 years on a dog. We were simply in a different financial position then and could manage it.
So do what you can live with and dont be afraid to shop around.
dd1 10/05
dd2 11/09
and ... a mini poodle!