A cracked or lost tooth: implants, bridges or dentures, and the costs
See a dentist soon, and ask first whether the tooth can be saved with a filling, crown or root canal. If it must be replaced, implants are fixed and long-lasting but cost the most, bridges use nearby teeth, and dentures are removable and usually cheaper. Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine dental; many Medicare Advantage plans include some. Get a written treatment plan and estimate. Dental schools and community health centers often cost less. Read financing offers carefully.
Your checklist
- See a dentist soon
- Ask if the tooth can be saved
- Compare implant, bridge and dentures
- Check your dental coverage
- Get a written estimate
- Look for lower-cost care; read financing
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
Act soon
A cracked tooth can get worse or become infected. Call a dentist, and seek urgent care for swelling, fever or severe pain.
Can it be saved?
Depending on the crack: bonding or a filling, a crown, or a root canal plus a crown. Keeping your own tooth is often the best option when possible.
Replacement options
- Implant: a post placed in the jawbone with a crown on top. Fixed and long-lasting, but usually the most expensive and takes months.
- Bridge: a false tooth anchored to the teeth on each side.
- Partial denture: removable, replaces some teeth.
- Full denture: replaces all teeth on the top or bottom; implant-supported dentures are another option.
Coverage
- Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine dental care, dentures or implants.
- Medicare Advantage plans often include some dental benefits, usually with yearly limits.
- Dental insurance often has low annual maximums, waiting periods and limits on implants.
- Medicaid adult dental coverage varies by state.
Before you agree
Ask for a written treatment plan with each step, its cost and what insurance pays. Get a second opinion for expensive work.
Lower-cost options
Dental schools, community health centers with sliding-scale fees, and some nonprofit programs.
Financing
Some medical credit cards charge all deferred interest if not paid in full by the deadline. Ask about in-office payment plans.
Official sources, and where to look
- NIDCR (NIH): finding low-cost dental carenidcr.nih.gov
- Medicare.gov: dental servicesmedicare.gov
- HRSA: find a health centerfindahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
dental school clinic [your state][your state] Medicaid adult dental coverage
Common questions
How much does a dental implant cost?
It varies widely by area and case, often several thousand dollars per tooth including the crown. Get a written estimate. More ›
Are dentures cheaper than implants?
Usually, yes, though quality and fit vary. Ask about all-in costs, including adjustments. More ›
What should I do if I crack a tooth?
See a dentist soon. Avoid chewing on that side, rinse with warm water, and get urgent care for swelling, fever or severe pain. More ›
Is an implant better than a denture?
Implants are fixed and long-lasting but cost more and need surgery. Dentures cost less and are removable. The best choice depends on your health, bone and budget. More ›
Does Medicare pay for dentures or implants?
Original Medicare generally doesn’t. Many Medicare Advantage plans include some dental coverage, often with yearly limits. More ›
How can I find low-cost dental care?
Try dental schools, community health centers with sliding-scale fees, and your state’s Medicaid if you qualify. More ›
Know someone who needs this?
Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.