# 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. - URL: https://explained.page/implants-or-dentures - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=implants-or-dentures ## Step by step 1. **Cracked or lost a tooth?** See a dentist soon; a crack can get worse or infected. Then you’ll weigh options and costs. Here’s the plain version. 2. **First, ask if the tooth can be saved.** Depending on the crack, a filling, crown, or root canal with a crown may save it. Saving your own tooth is often best. 3. **Know the replacement options.** Implants are fixed and long-lasting but cost the most. Bridges use nearby teeth. Dentures are removable and usually cost less. 4. **Check your coverage.** Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine dental work. Many Medicare Advantage plans include some dental, often with yearly limits. 5. **Get a written treatment plan and estimate.** Ask for each step, its cost, and what insurance will pay. Dental plans often have low yearly maximums and waiting periods. 6. **Look for lower-cost care.** Dental schools and community health centers often cost less. Some states’ Medicaid covers adult dental. Get a second opinion for expensive work. 7. **Read financing offers carefully.** Some dental credit cards charge all the back interest if you don’t pay in full by the deadline. Ask about in-office payment plans too. ## 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 ## 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. ## 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. Source page: https://explained.page/implants-or-dentures/questions/how-much-does-a-dental-implant-cost ### Are dentures cheaper than implants? Usually, yes, though quality and fit vary. Ask about all-in costs, including adjustments. Source page: https://explained.page/implants-or-dentures/questions/are-dentures-cheaper-than-implants ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/implants-or-dentures/questions/what-should-i-do-if-i-crack-a-tooth ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/implants-or-dentures/questions/is-an-implant-better-than-a-denture ### Does Medicare pay for dentures or implants? Original Medicare generally doesn’t. Many Medicare Advantage plans include some dental coverage, often with yearly limits. Source page: https://explained.page/implants-or-dentures/questions/does-medicare-pay-for-dentures-or-implants ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/implants-or-dentures/questions/how-can-i-find-low-cost-dental-care ### What is a dental bridge? A false tooth held in place by crowns on the teeth on each side of the gap. Source page: https://explained.page/implants-or-dentures/questions/what-is-a-dental-bridge ### Should I get a second opinion for dental work? For expensive work like implants or multiple crowns, a second opinion can confirm the plan and cost. Source page: https://explained.page/implants-or-dentures/questions/should-i-get-a-second-opinion-for-dental-work ## Official sources - [NIDCR (NIH): finding low-cost dental care](https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/) - [Medicare.gov: dental services](https://www.medicare.gov/) - [HRSA: find a health center](https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "dental school clinic [your state]" - "[your state] Medicaid adult dental coverage" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.