The True Cost To Fix a Cracked Tooth Before It Becomes a Dental Emergency
That sharp pain when you bite down? The sensitivity to hot and cold? Your tooth is trying to tell you something important and ignoring it won't make it go away.
Here's what we've learned after treating hundreds of cracked teeth in North Bethesda and Vienna: the patients who come in early always have better outcomes and spend less money than those who wait until they're in excruciating pain.
A cracked tooth never gets better on its own. It only gets worse, and when it does, you are looking at much more complex and expensive treatment.
At our practice, we believe in complete transparency. Using advanced 3D imaging, we will show you exactly what's happening and give you clear treatment options upfront, no surprises, no pressure.
Whether you need Dr. Kim's expertise with our GentleWave root canal technology or Dr. Shin's precision crown work, we will get you comfortable and back to normal.
This isn't just about fixing a tooth. It's about getting you back to eating and smiling without worry. Ready to stop wondering and start healing?
Here's what we've learned after treating hundreds of cracked teeth in North Bethesda and Vienna: the patients who come in early always have better outcomes and spend less money than those who wait until they're in excruciating pain.
A cracked tooth never gets better on its own. It only gets worse, and when it does, you are looking at much more complex and expensive treatment.
At our practice, we believe in complete transparency. Using advanced 3D imaging, we will show you exactly what's happening and give you clear treatment options upfront, no surprises, no pressure.
Whether you need Dr. Kim's expertise with our GentleWave root canal technology or Dr. Shin's precision crown work, we will get you comfortable and back to normal.
This isn't just about fixing a tooth. It's about getting you back to eating and smiling without worry. Ready to stop wondering and start healing?
Key Takeaways
- That cracked tooth is costing you daily.
- No pain doesn’t mean no problem.
- Insurance covers most of it if you stop stalling.
- We save teeth others give up on.
- Can’t afford it? That’s a myth.
What Is a Cracked Tooth?
So what exactly causes a tooth to crack? Sometimes it's obvious when you bit down on a popcorn kernel or took a hit during your weekend basketball game but often, it is the everyday stuff like years of grinding your teeth at night, chewing ice or just normal wear and tear as we age.
The tricky part? Most people don't even know they have a cracked tooth until it starts hurting. You might notice pain when you chew, sudden sensitivity to hot or cold or even some swelling around the area.
Not all cracks are created equal and that's why proper diagnosis matters so much. Some cracks are just tiny surface lines that we can monitor. No big deal.
Others involve a piece of your tooth actually breaking off, usually around an old filling. Then there are the serious ones: split teeth that are separated completely, or vertical root fractures that can mean losing the tooth entirely.
This is where our high-resolution 3D imaging makes all the difference. We can see exactly what type of crack you are dealing with and map out the best way to fix it because when it comes to cracked teeth, the right diagnosis upfront means the right treatment and the best chance of saving your natural tooth.
The tricky part? Most people don't even know they have a cracked tooth until it starts hurting. You might notice pain when you chew, sudden sensitivity to hot or cold or even some swelling around the area.
Not all cracks are created equal and that's why proper diagnosis matters so much. Some cracks are just tiny surface lines that we can monitor. No big deal.
Others involve a piece of your tooth actually breaking off, usually around an old filling. Then there are the serious ones: split teeth that are separated completely, or vertical root fractures that can mean losing the tooth entirely.
This is where our high-resolution 3D imaging makes all the difference. We can see exactly what type of crack you are dealing with and map out the best way to fix it because when it comes to cracked teeth, the right diagnosis upfront means the right treatment and the best chance of saving your natural tooth.
Why Prostho Endo Dental Specialists Is Different
Here's why having both Dr. Shin and Dr. Kim under one roof makes such a difference for complex cases like yours. When your general dentist says “I need to refer you out,” they are usually sending you to us because we handle the situations that require both endodontic expertise (that's Dr. Kim's specialty with root canals) and prosthodontic precision (Dr. Shin's area with crowns, implants, and complex restorations).
Instead of bouncing between different offices, trying to coordinate care between specialists who may never talk to each other, you get a team approach. Dr. Kim can save your tooth with advanced root canal techniques, and Dr. Shin can restore it to full function and natural appearance. All while working together on your specific case.
We use technology that most offices don't have, like cone beam 3D imaging and high-powered microscopes that can spot fractures invisible on regular X-rays. But honestly, the fancy equipment only matters if you know what you are looking at and how to use it effectively.
What really sets us apart is how we communicate with you. Before any treatment starts, you will know exactly what we found, why we are recommending specific treatments and what everything costs. No surprises, no pressure and no hidden fees because making decisions about your dental health should not feel like you are buying a used car.
Instead of bouncing between different offices, trying to coordinate care between specialists who may never talk to each other, you get a team approach. Dr. Kim can save your tooth with advanced root canal techniques, and Dr. Shin can restore it to full function and natural appearance. All while working together on your specific case.
We use technology that most offices don't have, like cone beam 3D imaging and high-powered microscopes that can spot fractures invisible on regular X-rays. But honestly, the fancy equipment only matters if you know what you are looking at and how to use it effectively.
What really sets us apart is how we communicate with you. Before any treatment starts, you will know exactly what we found, why we are recommending specific treatments and what everything costs. No surprises, no pressure and no hidden fees because making decisions about your dental health should not feel like you are buying a used car.
“Dr. Shin, Bryana and Jay at the Vienna location are fantastic! Dr. Shin is very caring, professional and knowledgeable. He makes sure that we understand the process. The entire team are very friendly and always greets us with a smile.”
– Charmaine V.
Cost Breakdown: Fixing a Cracked Tooth
By Type of Crack
- Minor surface cracks (craze lines) may require no treatment or cosmetic bonding, which typically costs $150–$400.
- A fractured cusp often needs an onlay or dental crown, ranging from $800–$2,500, depending on the material and complexity.
- More serious cases, such as a vertical root fracture, could require extraction and a dental implant—costing $2,500–$6,000+.
By Treatment Type
- Dental bonding for minor cracks is the least invasive and least expensive.
- Crowns are used when a significant portion of the tooth needs protection.
- A root canal followed by a crown is needed when the crack extends into the pulp.
- Tooth extraction and dental implant is a last resort when the tooth cannot be saved.
With vs. Without Insurance
If you have dental insurance, many plans cover 50–80% of restorative procedures, especially crowns and root canals. Without insurance, treatment is paid out of pocket, but Prostho Endo Dental Specialists offers financing options and a Dental Membership Plan to ease the burden.
If you have dental insurance, many plans cover 50–80% of restorative procedures, especially crowns and root canals. Without insurance, treatment is paid out of pocket, but Prostho Endo Dental Specialists offers financing options and a Dental Membership Plan to ease the burden.
Additional Costs to Consider
Expect additional charges for diagnostic imaging ($75–$300), emergency visits ($100–$200), or sedation if needed. We’ll provide a transparent cost estimate during your consultation.
Expect additional charges for diagnostic imaging ($75–$300), emergency visits ($100–$200), or sedation if needed. We’ll provide a transparent cost estimate during your consultation.
Factors That Influence Cost
Let's talk numbers because we know that is probably what's really on your mind right now.
The cost to fix your cracked tooth depends on few key factors. Where the crack is located makes a big difference.
A front tooth that just needs cosmetic work will typically cost less than a back molar that has to handle all the pressure from chewing. Those back teeth need stronger and more durable materials to do their job properly.
The cost to fix your cracked tooth depends on few key factors. Where the crack is located makes a big difference.
A front tooth that just needs cosmetic work will typically cost less than a back molar that has to handle all the pressure from chewing. Those back teeth need stronger and more durable materials to do their job properly.
Speaking of materials, this is where you have choices. We can use metal or composite options that are more budget-friendly, or we can go with porcelain and zirconia crowns that look completely natural and last longer, but yes, they cost more upfront. We will walk through all your options and help you decide what makes sense for your situation and budget.
Here's something important: you are not just paying for the procedure itself. You are paying for Dr. Kim's specialized endodontic training and Dr. Shin's advanced prosthodontic expertise. That means we can often save teeth that other dentists might say need to be extracted and we do it using techniques and technology that minimize your discomfort and maximize your results.
The other piece of the puzzle is what else needs to be done. Sometimes it's just a crown. Sometimes Dr. Kim needs to do a root canal first, or we need to place a post for extra support. If the tooth can't be saved, Dr. Shin might recommend an implant.
That's exactly why we do our comprehensive evaluation upfront using 3D imaging. We want you to see the complete picture and the complete cost before we start anything. No surprises, no pressure and just clear information so you can make the best decision for your situation.
Here's something important: you are not just paying for the procedure itself. You are paying for Dr. Kim's specialized endodontic training and Dr. Shin's advanced prosthodontic expertise. That means we can often save teeth that other dentists might say need to be extracted and we do it using techniques and technology that minimize your discomfort and maximize your results.
The other piece of the puzzle is what else needs to be done. Sometimes it's just a crown. Sometimes Dr. Kim needs to do a root canal first, or we need to place a post for extra support. If the tooth can't be saved, Dr. Shin might recommend an implant.
That's exactly why we do our comprehensive evaluation upfront using 3D imaging. We want you to see the complete picture and the complete cost before we start anything. No surprises, no pressure and just clear information so you can make the best decision for your situation.
Is It Worth Fixing or Replacing a Cracked Tooth?
Almost always, yes, especially when you catch it early.
Here's the reality: that crack isn't going to stay the same size. It's going to get deeper and more problematic.
What's a manageable restoration today can turn into a serious infection or complete tooth failure if you wait.
Then you are looking at implants or bridges that cost significantly more and take months to complete.
Here's the reality: that crack isn't going to stay the same size. It's going to get deeper and more problematic.
What's a manageable restoration today can turn into a serious infection or complete tooth failure if you wait.
Then you are looking at implants or bridges that cost significantly more and take months to complete.
But we are not going to tell you to save a tooth at all costs just because we can. Sometimes extraction and replacement is honestly the smarter long-term decision. Take vertical root fractures which usually aren't worth trying to save.
That's why we always show you exactly what we are seeing on the 3D scans and talk through your options honestly. Some patients choose to save the natural tooth. Others decide a clean extraction and implant is the better investment. Both can be right depending on your situation.
What matters is that you make an informed decision based on your oral health, budget and what you want to deal with long-term and not a desperate one because you are in pain.
That's why we always show you exactly what we are seeing on the 3D scans and talk through your options honestly. Some patients choose to save the natural tooth. Others decide a clean extraction and implant is the better investment. Both can be right depending on your situation.
What matters is that you make an informed decision based on your oral health, budget and what you want to deal with long-term and not a desperate one because you are in pain.
“Dr. Ana Kim and her team were amazing. They truly practice painless dentistry. I had to go in for a complicated procedure and they were able to make it easy and pain free. I really appreciate their approach of working with you to make sure that you fully understand what is going to happen and then make it look easy. I just want to thank them for taking care of me. I will gladly see them again.”
– Gideon G.
How Prostho Endo Dental Specialists Approaches Cracked Teeth
From day one, our goal is saving your natural tooth whenever we can. We start with a thorough exam and 3D imaging so we can see exactly what we are dealing with then Dr. Kim and Dr. Shin put their heads together to figure out the best approach for your specific situation.
We have been doing this for a while and honestly, most of the time we can save the tooth. Just last month, a patient came in with a fractured molar that another dentist wanted to extract. Dr. Kim did the root canal, Dr. Shin placed the crown and now they are back to eating everything they want for a fraction of what an implant would have cost.
We have been doing this for a while and honestly, most of the time we can save the tooth. Just last month, a patient came in with a fractured molar that another dentist wanted to extract. Dr. Kim did the root canal, Dr. Shin placed the crown and now they are back to eating everything they want for a fraction of what an implant would have cost.
But sometimes extraction really is the better choice. We had another patient with a split tooth that was beyond saving. We did the extraction and implant placement right here and they were back to normal function in just a few visits.
The bottom line? Whether we are saving your tooth or replacing it, you are getting treatment from specialists who do this every day. That experience makes all the difference in your outcome.
The bottom line? Whether we are saving your tooth or replacing it, you are getting treatment from specialists who do this every day. That experience makes all the difference in your outcome.
Financing and Payment Options
We believe that cost shouldn’t stop you from getting the care you need. That’s why Prostho Endo Dental Specialists offers flexible payment options and a Dental Membership Plan. We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans and work directly with your provider to maximize benefits.
If you’re paying out of pocket, we partner with trusted third-party lenders like CareCredit and LendingClub, offering 0% interest plans for qualified patients. We also provide in-house payment plans for certain procedures. No matter your budget, our team is here to help you fix your cracked tooth without financial stress.
If you’re paying out of pocket, we partner with trusted third-party lenders like CareCredit and LendingClub, offering 0% interest plans for qualified patients. We also provide in-house payment plans for certain procedures. No matter your budget, our team is here to help you fix your cracked tooth without financial stress.
FAQs
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
How urgent is it to fix a cracked tooth? heal on its own?
Will my insurance cover treatment?
What happens if I wait too long?
Call to Action: Schedule Your Consultation Today
Don’t let a cracked tooth spiral into an expensive emergency. If you’re in pain or suspect a fracture, book a comprehensive evaluation with Prostho Endo Dental Specialists today. Call us or schedule online now for a same-week appointment. Your teeth (and wallet) will thank you.
