by Malavi Sivakanesan • 13 January 2025 • 6 min read
A cracked tooth can happen at any time, any moment. One moment, you’re enjoying your favourite food, and the next, you feel a sharp pain from biting too hard. A cracked tooth is a fracture in the enamel that can range from a minor surface crack to a severe break reaching the tooth’s root. It can be troublesome, painful, and lead to tooth sensitivity and difficulty chewing. The good news is that cracked teeth are completely fixable with modern dental treatments. There are multiple options involved, and costs can vary. This guide will provide you with a general understanding of associated costs and what you can expect in a dental bill for cracked teeth.
How Much to Fix Cracked Tooth?
The typical cost of fixing a cracked tooth at a private dental practice in the UK ranges from £140 to £1,250 per tooth, depending on severity and required treatment.
The costs at the NHS are around £260. However, not everyone may qualify for this band. Private clinics offer a broader range of treatments, greater convenience, and faster access.
Usually, patients can expect an initial consultation and X-rays to total approximately £55-£120. Simple filling repairs start at around £100. You should expect to pay more for complex cases that may involve root canal work, composite bonding, or dental crown placement.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Cracked Tooth Repairs in the UK
A number of factors shape the total fee charged for repairing a cracked tooth in the UK. Let’s look at them:
- Type and Extent of Crack: Superficial hairline cracks that can be covered with composite bonding usually don’t cost much. But deep splits will incur more because of the complexity of the treatments required.
- Tooth Location: Molar (back teeth) repairs are often pricier than incisors because of access and complexity.
- Restorative Material: Cracked tooth treatments use different types of materials. Prices will therefore vary. Premium materials like ceramic and zirconia tend to command higher fees.
- Need for Infection Removal: If the cracked tooth is infected or is affecting nerves, dentists will need treatments like root canals that will hike up the price of the final bill.
- Diagnostic Scans and Consultations: Additional X-rays, cone-beam CT, or multiple consultations may add to the bill.
- Practice Prestige and Location: London practices and those with dental specialists are generally more expensive.
- Urgency: Same-day or emergency appointments may cost more than regular check-up appointments.
Common Treatment Options for Cracked Teeth and Expected Costs
Here are a few common treatment options for cracked teeth and their approximate treatment costs:
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells, usually crafted from porcelain or resin, that cover the front surface of a tooth. Custom-made to suit individual needs, they enhance the look of damaged, cracked teeth while providing a long-lasting solution. With proper care, veneers can last 10 to 15 years. The cost of this treatment varies between £500 and £1,000 per tooth, depending on the material.
Dental Crown
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that protects and restores a broken or weakened tooth. These crowns can be made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, resin, or metal alloys like gold. They fully encase the cracked tooth, improving both function and appearance. The price per tooth ranges from £600 to £2,500.
Dental Implants
Dental implant treatment provides a permanent solution for severely damaged or missing teeth. This procedure involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant fuses with the bone, a custom-made crown is attached to act similarly to a real tooth. A single dental implant costs about £2,000, but prices can greatly vary depending on the type of implants and the number needed.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding (alternatively called composite bonding) is a cost-effective and simple procedure where a tooth-coloured resin is applied to the cracked or chipped area. The material is then shaped and hardened to blend seamlessly with natural teeth. Although not as durable as crowns or veneers, composite bonding is a popular choice due to its affordability and speedy application. The cost per tooth for composite bonding in London falls between £100 and £400.
Dental Bridge
When a tooth is severely cracked and cannot be saved with treatments like bonding or crowns, a dental bridge may be the best solution. It fills the gap caused by the removed tooth using a dental crown supported by the healthy teeth next to it. This restores your smile and chewing ability. Dental bridges are custom-made to blend with natural teeth and can last 10 to 15 years with good care. A single unit of dental bridge with a semi-precious metal base starts at £495 per unit.
Cost Breakdown for Cracked Tooth Repairs in the UK
Cost Disclaimer: The costs mentioned are estimates and may vary based on factors such as location, service provider, and market conditions. For exact pricing, please consult with Complete Smiles.
Got A Cracked Tooth? Get It Fixed Right Away with Complete Smiles!
A cracked tooth, if left untreated, can lead to more serious issues, including tooth loss. So, even if the tooth damage seems minor, it’s essential to get it checked to rule out any underlying complications. Early treatment can prevent pain, further damage, and costly procedures down the line.
If you’re feeling nervous about visiting a dentist, Complete Smiles has the friendliest team to put you at ease. Plus, our flexible payment plans help make quality dental care more accessible. Don’t wait until the damage worsens. Reach out to Complete Smiles today and restore your smile.
Malavi Sivakanesan
Malavi Sivakanesan is the principal dentist and co-founder at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.