The cost of repairing a broken tooth varies significantly based on the severity of the damage and the required restoration procedure. A minor chip affecting only the enamel is far less expensive to fix than a fracture extending deep into the tooth’s structure. Understanding the potential financial obligation requires breaking down expenses by the necessary repair method. The final price combines the dentist’s fees, materials used, and external factors like insurance coverage.
Initial Diagnostic Fees and Severity Assessment
Determining the exact extent of the damage requires an initial exam and diagnostic imaging. A problem-focused evaluation (D0140) is used for a specific complaint like a broken tooth and generally costs between $80 and $175. This fee covers the dentist’s time to examine the affected area.
Diagnostic imaging, primarily X-rays, is necessary to visualize damage below the gum line or within the pulp chamber. A periapical X-ray (D0220), focusing on a single tooth, costs around $30 to $50. A panoramic X-ray (D0330), which captures the entire jaw, may range from $100 to $150. These initial fees, totaling approximately $110 to $325, are crucial because the severity of the break dictates the entire treatment plan and its associated cost.
Cost Estimates for Superficial Damage Repairs
When the break is minor and does not involve the inner pulp tissue, the repair is typically less invasive and more affordable. For small chips, simple recontouring smooths and polishes a jagged edge to prevent irritation and improve appearance, often incurring minimal cost.
For slightly larger superficial damage, a tooth-colored composite filling (D2391) may be used. The average cost ranges from $150 to $450 per tooth, depending on the number of surfaces involved.
Dental bonding (D2910) is a popular method for restoring a visible chip. This involves applying a composite resin directly to the tooth, molding it, and hardening it with light. The cost for bonding generally falls between $200 and $600 per tooth. These options are suitable when the tooth’s structural integrity is maintained and the nerve remains protected, and they are often completed in a single visit.
Cost Estimates for Extensive Structural Damage
When a fracture extends into the dentin or exposes the pulp, the repair is significantly more complex and expensive, requiring restoration of the core structure and nerve treatment. If the pulp is affected, a root canal (D3310) is necessary to remove infected tissue and prevent extraction. This procedure costs between $600 and $1,800, depending on the tooth’s location and root system complexity.
Following a root canal, or if a large portion of the tooth is missing, a full coverage crown is required to protect the weakened tooth from fracturing further under chewing pressure. Crowns (D2740, D2750) are fabricated from materials like ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), or zirconia. The cost typically ranges from $800 to $2,500 before insurance, with material choice impacting the price.
If the tooth is fractured below the gumline and cannot be saved, extraction (D7140) is the only option, costing $200 to $500 for a simple removal. If replacement is needed, a dental implant (D6010) and crown package averages between $3,000 and $7,000, while a fixed bridge (D6240) may cost $2,000 to $5,000.
External Variables Determining Out-of-Pocket Cost
Several external factors modify the final amount a patient pays, regardless of the base procedure cost. Geographic location plays a role, as practices in major metropolitan areas generally charge higher fees than those in rural settings due to increased overhead. The provider’s expertise also influences cost; a general dentist often charges less for a root canal than an endodontist, who specializes in nerve treatments.
The most significant variable is the patient’s dental insurance policy. Most policies have an annual maximum benefit, which is the most the insurance company will pay per year. After the deductible is met, coverage typically follows a 100/80/50 structure: 100% for preventive care, 80% for basic procedures like fillings, and 50% for major procedures like crowns and root canals. The patient is responsible for the remainder, and once the annual maximum is reached, all subsequent costs become entirely out-of-pocket.