A broken tooth extraction typically costs between $200 and $700+, ranging from around $100-$300 for simple extractions to $300-$700 or more for surgical extractions, depending on complexity, location, anesthesia, and if it's an emergency, with surgical removal of fractured teeth usually costing more due to potential gum/bone work and sedation. Costs vary, but a broken tooth often requires a more complex surgical approach, increasing the price compared to a simple pull.
Simple tooth extractions typically range from $75 to $300, while surgical extractions can cost between $250 and $550, and sometimes up to $4,000 for complex cases.
A broken tooth often requires a surgical extraction because it may be broken below the gum line, leading to higher costs. The total cost will also depend on factors like anesthesia, necessary exams and X-rays, and your location.
If you have a broken tooth, there are usually a few options the dentist can pursue to repair it. However, in the most serious cases, extraction may be necessary.
Removal of a broken tooth root
As the roots of the tooth are situated below the gum line, it may, depending on the situation, be necessary to make a small incision in the gum to allow the dentist better access to make removal easier.
The 3-3-3 rule for toothache is a temporary pain management strategy: take 3 ibuprofen (200mg each) three times a day for 3 days, but 3 hours apart (or every 8 hours), to reduce inflammation and pain until you can see a dentist; it's crucial to consult a doctor first, especially with underlying conditions, as it's not a cure but a short-term fix for inflammation.
Dental bonding is one of the simplest and most affordable treatments for a broken tooth. Dentists mostly recommend it for minor chips and cracks on the teeth. It involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to fill in the broken portion of the teeth.
If a tooth becomes broken at the gum line, the dentist may need to make an incision to remove the pieces. The method of removal depends on the location and condition of the tooth. Most cases only require simple extractions. An incision becomes necessary when the dentist can't reach the tooth with tools.
Ignoring a tooth that needs to be extracted can have serious consequences for your health, including serious infections, damage to your jawbone, and even discomfort.
If you have a broken tooth that needs to be extracted, you will probably not feel any discomfort whatsoever during the procedure itself. But you will most likely feel some pain afterward during the healing process.
Dental insurance typically does cover treatment for a broken tooth if: It's caused by trauma (e.g., sports injury or accident) The damage affects your ability to eat, speak, or function. The procedure is considered medically necessary (not cosmetic)
$40–$90 for nitrous oxide to relax the patient. $250–$800 for general anesthetic to put the patient to sleep.
Coverage details
In most cases, Medicare doesn't cover dental services like routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions (removals), or items like dentures and implants.
A range of prices include: Simple tooth extraction: $75–$250. Surgical tooth extraction: $180–$550. Wisdom tooth extraction: $120–$800.
The price depends entirely on how severe the chip is and which treatment you need. A minor enamel chip fixed with composite bonding costs £95-£250. A severely broken tooth requiring a crown and root canal can reach £2,500.
Wisdom teeth are also susceptible to infection, which complicates the extraction process. If the case of an infection, the dentist may have to prescribe antibiotics both before and after the procedure to keep the infection from spreading. The wisdom tooth is the most difficult to extract.
This gum growth can initially hide the break but does not repair the tooth. If the broken tooth exposes the root or nerve, bacteria can enter, leading to infection or inflammation.
Cracked or fragile teeth
The simple extraction procedure involves applying forces. Unfortunately, the same extraction forces may break the fragile tooth apart. This may make the remaining portion the tooth's socket hard to remove, which may result in a complication.
The "3-3-3 dental rule" usually refers to two different things: a hygiene habit (brush 3x a day, 3 mins each, change brush every 3 months) or a temporary pain relief method for toothaches (3 ibuprofen tablets, 3 times a day, for 3 days). The hygiene rule promotes better cleaning, while the pain rule manages inflammation until a dentist can be seen, but the medication rule requires caution and should be discussed with a doctor.
See a dentist if you or your child has:
If a piece of tooth has broken off, put it in milk or saliva (by spitting into a container if it's your tooth, or having your child spit into a container if it's theirs) and take it to a dentist. The dentist may be able to glue the piece of tooth back on.
If you need dental work but have no money, look for public dental clinics, apply for government assistance programs, explore options to access your superannuation (retirement funds), or find dentists offering interest-free payment plans, especially for emergencies, as ignoring severe issues like infections can worsen the problem. Check your state/territory health department and local community health centers for available low-cost or free services, keeping in mind that waiting lists for non-urgent care can be long.
Types of Over-the-Counter Medications for Dental Pain
Code 1 – Slight bleeding when probed, no calculus or gingival pockets under 3.5mm. Code 2 – Slight bleeding when probed, Calculus or Plaque present and gingival pockets under 3.5mm. Code 3 – Calculus and Plaque present under the gum margin and gingival pockets between 3.5 – 5.5mm.
Left untreated, a tooth abscess will eventually spread to the surrounding tissues and beyond, wreaking havoc on your oral and overall health. It can take weeks or months for the infection to spread — and it's impossible to know exactly how long that will take.