It can be difficult to say exactly how much it will cost to repair a broken tooth. There is a big difference in price depending on the severity of the damage.
At Tandliv, we have extensive experience with patients who have broken their teeth. Whether you've knocked a small chip off your front tooth or you've chipped a large molar, you need to be seen by a dentist.
If you have broken a tooth, you are welcome to contact us and describe your dental injury. That way we can better assess the course of treatment and provide you with a repair estimate.
Why does a tooth crack?
By default, we are all born with strong teeth that can withstand most things. However, many people find that their teeth are exposed to things that cause them to weaken over time. There can be several different reasons for this.
Causes of broken teeth:
- Accidents (trauma)
We can never predict if we will have an accident. It could be tripping, getting hit or falling off your bike. In some cases, accidents like these can hit your teeth the hardest and you could end up with a broken tooth or two. - Caries (tooth decay)
Cavities in teeth is something most of us will experience at some point. For some, a caries attack can be so bad that most of the tooth substance is gone. This means that the tooth is weakened, making it easier for it to break when you chew, for example. - A cracked tooth
If you have a crack in your tooth, in most cases there is a greater chance of it breaking. Because of the crack, the tooth is weaker, so all it takes is one wrong bite on something hard and you have a broken tooth. - Teeth grinding
Many Danes suffer from teeth grinding. In addition to being a major annoyance for people sleeping next to them, it can have major consequences for the strength of your teeth. Teeth become progressively weaker the longer you grind your teeth without receiving treatment. - Root canal treatment
- Root canal treatment of a tooth can weaken the tooth. When you root canal treat a tooth, you remove the tooth's nerve, which causes the tooth to become drier. This makes the tooth less pliable, which means that it can break more quickly if you bite incorrectly or too hard. Because a root canal treated tooth is much weaker than a tooth that has not been root canal treated, many people choose to have crowns put on for protection.
Does a broken tooth hurt?
There can be a big difference between whether a broken tooth hurts or not. It usually depends on how big a piece breaks off and how close it is to the nerve. In some cases, you may not feel it as the piece can be very small. If there is no pain, it will most likely be detected by a sudden sharp sensation in the tongue or cheek.
If you're experiencing a lot of pain, it's most likely because the fracture happened particularly close to the nerve. In this case, it can be extra painful every time you eat something sweet, cold, hot, or just bite down. However, this most often happens if it's a broken molar that's involved.
Can you do anything about a broken tooth yourself?
As soon as you realize you've cracked a tooth, it's important to see a dentist. Delaying the problem can make the situation worse.
In most cases, there is nothing you can do yourself. If you are experiencing severe pain, it's important to let the dentist take care of it, as the nerve in the tooth is most likely also damaged. In some cases, this may mean the need for a root canal.
If the broken piece is intact and in good condition, you can save it and bring it to your appointment. In some cases, it is possible to glue the broken piece back on. In such a situation, however, it is crucial whether the tooth is dry or not. It is therefore a good idea to place the broken piece in milk.
The cause of the broken tooth can also determine the options for subsequent treatment. If the tooth is broken due to a large hole, this can determine how the tooth should be treated.
...and REMEMBER
You can take painkillers. If the tooth is broken at the nerve, it can be extremely painful!
If you are a member of Sygeforsikring Danmark, you can get a subsidy for your dental bill. Read more about subsidies for dental treatment here.
If you have pain in your tooth, you can read about other causes of pain below.
Whatever you suspect is wrong with your teeth or tooth, it's important to contact a dentist.
Dental bills are always the wrong place to save.
REMEMBER that you can get a student discount. Read more about our prices here.
How is a broken tooth treated?
There are many different ways to treat a broken tooth. It usually depends on which tooth and how bad it is.
- A broken molar tooth
As you may have noticed with your tongue, there are small points on our molars. These are called chewing nodes. It's not uncommon for them to break, and since it's usually not close to the nerve, it won't be painful unless you chew through it. If it's a small break in the tooth, we will usually repair it with a filling. However, it's hard to generalize as broken teeth are never the same. - If the nerve is exposed
If your broken tooth is so severe that the nerve in the tooth is exposed, it will cause pain the second the accident happens. In such a case, you will most likely need a root canal, which removes the nerve of the tooth. Read more about root canal treatment here. - If a tab is broken off
If a chip has broken off your tooth, you may not need treatment. If treatment is needed, it will most likely be in the form of either a grinding or a small filling. - Invisible crack
In some cases, a tooth breaks in such a way that it is not actually possible to see the crack that has formed. However, if the crack reaches all the way down to the nerve, it can usually be felt very clearly. In most cases, this type of cracked tooth will be treated with a root canal. Even if you can't see anything, it's still important to contact a dentist as the crack can progress to become worse.
It can be difficult to assess the extent of the damage to your tooth yourself. That's why we always recommend giving us a call and coming in for a consultation. If a broken tooth is not treated, it can develop into an even bigger problem and end up being far more expensive than it was to begin with.
Are you a student? We know you're on a tight budget. That's why we offer a student discount to anyone with a valid student ID.
How do you treat a chipped tooth?
A tooth can crack in several different ways. Therefore, there is no single treatment for all cases of chipped teeth. Depending on which tooth is cracked and how bad it is, the treatment will also vary.
When a tooth cracks, it's usually a molar tooth.
- Chipped a piece of molar tooth
Our molars have small sharp edges on them, called chewing nodes. If you experience a small piece breaking off, it doesn't have to be serious. Usually a fraction like this is located so far away from the nerve that you won't notice anything other than a sharp edge against the inside of your cheek. However, it's important to see a dentist regardless, as it can develop into something worse. Treatment in this case will most likely be in the form of fillings.
- Cracked tooth so the nerve is exposed
If you have a cracked tooth that is extremely painful, you have most likely cracked it so that the nerve is exposed. In such a case, it's important that you call a dentist right away. In most cases, we will most likely have to perform a root canal treatment and then place a crown. - A chipped tooth but nothing to see
If you have pain in your tooth but can't see anything wrong with it, it may still be cracked. The reason you can't see anything wrong is that the tooth is not separated. Most often, you will experience severe pain when you bite down on something hard. The crack most likely runs from the chewing surface of the tooth down to the root. In some cases, it is sufficient to treat a cracked tooth with a plastic filling. However, we often recommend a crown afterwards to secure the future condition of the tooth. - You're not in pain, but you feel a crack when you look in the mirror
Most of us can feel small cracks in our teeth if we look in the mirror. However, this is completely normal and not something that needs to be addressed. The cracks are only on the surface and therefore have no effect on your tooth.
Get a discount on your dental price
Among the subsidies you can get to pay the cost of necessary dental visits is Health Insurance Denmark. If you are a member of Sygeforsikring Danmark, there is always a discount available. The price reduction depends on which group you belong to.
For early retirees and retirees alike, there are additional price subsidies available from the municipality. The subsidy depends on personal circumstances and which municipality you live in.
For young people and students, there is also a discount on the dental price. Read more about your discount options here → grants and discounts.
FAQ - Broken tooth
How long can you walk with a broken tooth?
It's important to seek dental care as soon as possible if you have a broken tooth. How long you can wear a broken tooth depends on the extent of the damage. Left untreated, it can lead to infection, increased pain and further tooth damage. It is recommended to contact us immediately for a proper assessment and necessary treatment to avoid complications.
Why does a tooth crack?
Teeth can break for a variety of reasons: biting on hard objects, such as nuts or ice, can cause damage. Tooth decay and large fillings can weaken tooth structure, increasing the risk of fractures. Teeth grinding and jaw tension put extra pressure on teeth, which can lead to cracks. Trauma, such as blows or falls, can also damage teeth. Regular dental care helps prevent broken teeth.
How much does it cost to repair a broken tooth?
The cost of repairing a broken tooth varies depending on the extent of the damage and the treatment method chosen. Simple repairs like plastic fillings or tooth-colored composites can be more affordable, while more complex procedures like crowns, root canals or dental implants can be more expensive. Prices also vary depending on geographical location and dental practice. Check out our dental prices!
