12 Dental Emergencies and What You May Expect to Pay

The average cost of an emergency dental visit can vary widely depending on what type of emergency you have. From a toothache that cannot wait to broken dentures or trauma from an accident, the types of dental emergencies you can encounter are wide-ranging.

Below is a look at 12 common reasons for emergency dental visits and the average cost of treating them. Keep in mind that costs can vary depending on where you live and the dentist you visit.

1. Toothache

Pain drives many people to make an emergency dental appointment. A toothache often means you have a cavity. And sometimes, a more painful toothache means you have a more severe infection. If your tooth hurts, you might need one of the following treatments:¹

• A filling for a simple cavity
• A root canal and crown for more severe cavities

Toothache treatment costs

The national average cost* of these treatments can vary by the type of treatment you need. Even the average cost of a simple filling can range from $139 to $976 depending on the type of filling you get.²

If you have a more severe cavity and need a root canal with a crown, the price will be determined by which tooth needs the root canal and the type of crown you choose. Here's what those prices look like:²

2. Cracked or Chipped Tooth

A cracked or chipped tooth is an emergency that requires a dental exam as soon as possible. In less severe cases, you may simply need a filling, possibly with a crown. But a cracked tooth can also lead to needing a root canal with a crown, which is a more extensive procedure. If the crack extends below the gum line, you might even need to have your tooth extracted.³

After an extraction, your dentist may recommend an implant to replace the tooth.⁴

Here are the costs* you might be looking at, depending on whether you get a root canal (and which tooth needs it), filling, crown or extraction with an implant.

Cracked or chipped tooth treatment costs

A filling is the least expensive option:²

A crown will add quite a bit to the cost:²

If you need a root canal with the crown, rather than a filling with a crown, the procedure will be more expensive. In fact, the average cost of the most expensive root canal (a molar root canal) combined with the most expensive crown (porcelain) is $2,736.²

A tooth extraction with a dental implant can be the most expensive of all cracked tooth repairs. On average, a surgical extraction and implant can cost $3,058 due to how expensive implants can be.²

3. Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth falls out, you'll need to see a dentist immediately to try to save it. Pick up the tooth without touching the root, rinse it off gently (but not in tap water) and put it in a cup of milk. Or, you can try to gently reinsert the tooth in its socket. In some cases, the tooth might be salvageable, so treatment won't be as expensive as an implant or bridge.⁶

If the tooth can't be saved, your dentist likely won't want to leave an empty space in your mouth. Without a tooth, your teeth may shift or your jaw's shape may change. You may need a bridge or a dental implant.⁴

Dental bridges most commonly consist of an artificial tooth set between two anchoring teeth with crowns. However, some types of dental bridges attach to only one natural tooth or bond to a metal or porcelain framework attached to the back of your teeth.⁷

Missing tooth treatment costs

Here's a look at the cost* breakdown between implants and bridges:²

4. Loose or Broken Braces

If your braces break or come loose, they can poke your gums or cheeks, causing pain and hindering the straightening process. Try covering the broken piece with wax or gauze until you can see your dentist.⁸

Braces repair costs

While the national average cost* of a set of braces is $6,343 (ranging from $2,500 to $10,000),⁵ the cost of fixing a broken part could be much less. For example, a broken bracket might cost just $25 to $50, replacing a metal molar band could be $50 to $75 and fixing a broken archwire might be $25 to $100.⁹

5. Broken or Dislodged Dental Crowns

A loose or broken dental crown is an emergency because it leaves your tooth vulnerable to infection or greater damage.⁶

Broken crown treatment costs

If you need to replace the crown, you'll be looking at these possible costs* depending on the type of crown you have:²

6. Losing a Dental Filling

Losing a dental filling is an emergency because it exposes your tooth to infection. Contact your dentist right away so you can get your filling replaced.⁶

Dental filling costs

Replacing your dental filling is less expensive than some other emergencies. Here's what those costs* look like:²

7. Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is a type of infection that can spread quickly. If you notice a small, swollen spot on your gums, call your dentist right away in case it's an abscess.⁸ If the side of your face is swelling or the swelling and pain extend down your neck, you may need to go to the ER if a dentist isn't available.¹⁰

The treatment for an abscessed tooth often involves a root canal after the abscess is drained. In some cases, the tooth may need to be extracted. Serious cases can lead to hospitalization to control secondary infections.¹¹

Abscessed tooth treatment costs

Below is a look at the average cost* for a root canal and crown and the cost of an extraction and implant. These prices don't include antibiotics, anesthesia or sedation. They also don't include the costs of hospitalization for more severe cases, which would be much higher:²

8. Trauma to the Jaw

If you experience trauma to your jaw — especially if you think your jaw might be broken — go to an emergency dentist or the ER immediately.¹²

The costs of treating jaw trauma vary depending on the type of jaw injury. However, it can be significant.

9. Lost or Broken Dentures

If you lose or break your dentures, tell your dentist right away. Without your dentures, eating or talking can be more difficult. As soon as your dentist is aware, they can send out a mold so the manufacturer can get started on making a new set.¹³

Denture costs

Here's a breakdown of the cost* depending on the type of dentures you have:²

10. Bleeding or Swollen Gums

A little bleeding while brushing or flossing may simply be a sign that you're new to flossing or you're brushing too hard. But regular bleeding or swelling needs treatment, and you'll want your dentist to determine exactly what the issue is.¹⁴

Often, bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease.¹⁴ You may need a scale and polish, root planing or, in more severe cases, periodontal surgery.¹⁵

Gum disease treatment costs

Here's a look at what those treatments might cost* you:²

11. Dental Implant Issues

While dental implants are designed to be permanent, there are times when issues may arise. Trauma, like a car accident, might break the implant. Or, you might develop gum disease in the tissues around the implant (peri-implantitis), requiring antibiotics or surgery.¹⁶

In some cases, the implant may be fine, but the restoration the implant supports — a crown, denture or bridge — might be broken and need replacing. Always see your dentist right away if you think there's an issue with your implant.¹⁶

Dental crown costs

You'll be looking at these possible costs* if you need to replace the crown on your implant:²

Dental implant, denture and bridge costs

You're looking at the following costs* if you're replacing implant-supported dentures, a bridge or the implant itself:²

These prices don't include the antibiotics you may need if you also have an infection.

12. Tongue, Mouth or Lip Injury

Injury to your tongue, mouth or lip might be an emergency requiring a visit to urgent care, particularly if you notice a significant amount of bleeding.⁶ If you simply bit your tongue or mouth, you'll likely just need to rinse the area, apply a cold compress and wait for it to heal.¹⁷ For emergencies, the cost of treatment can vary depending on what type of injury you have.

As you can see, dental emergencies come in all shapes and sizes. The costs can be low if you simply need to replace a filling, or quite expensive if you're admitted to the hospital for an infection or need to replace a dental appliance like a bridge or implant. Although these emergencies are impossible to predict, you can be prepared by having a plan in place for how you'll pay, such as using the CareCredit credit card.

Financing Dental Costs With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you're getting treatment for a dental emergency or you're simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Stephanie Dwilson specializes in science journalism, breaking news and animal health and is a business owner, non-practicing attorney and writer.