What if my tooth breaks and I have no insurance?

Asked by: Prof. Jennie Funk PhD  |  Last update: June 8, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (39 votes)

Free or Government Clinics You could also look online to see if any government clinics are offering dental services for free near you. Many dentists and dental professionals volunteer throughout the year to provide their services at no cost to those in need.

What to do if you break a tooth and don't have insurance?

Check with your local county health district. They will refer you to a dentist who will accept county payment.

How can I fix my broken tooth without insurance?

Find a local, county or state dental clinic near you. In some states there are programs wherein dentists volunteer to treat indigent patients. Contact your local dental society. Call Donated Dental Services.

What is the cheapest option for a broken tooth?

One of the most cost-effective ways to repair a broken tooth is through dental bonding. This procedure involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the damaged area, shaping it to match the natural tooth, and then hardening it with a special light.

What do you do if your tooth hurts but you have no insurance?

people can get emergency dental care at a hospital emergency room. They have to take you even if you don't have insurance. An infection in a tooth can kill you really fast so don't delay. Go to the hospital and find out if they will see you.

What to do if you don’t have dental insurance?

22 related questions found

What if I can't afford dental work?

Federally Qualified Health Centers

A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) can provide dental services for you or your family, regardless of your ability to pay. Services are offered on a sliding scale based on your income.

Is it worth going to the ER for tooth pain?

If the pain is unbearable and seems to feel like it is spreading along your jaw or neck, then you should go to the ER. If your mouth is bleeding and it has not stopped, you will need to head to the emergency room. When a person loses too much blood, they can lose consciousness.

What can I do if I have a bad tooth with no money?

If you have an infected tooth and no money, a few things you can do include: Contact your local dental society or health department. They may be able to refer you to a dentist who offers free or low-cost dental care.

How much does a dentist charge for a broken tooth?

If your chipped tooth is severe to the extent that it's more cracked than chipped, then you can expect costs to be from £995 for a dental crown to protect the tooth. Or, if your chip is minor but noticeable, it can often be fixed with composite bonding, which costs only £150.

Can you sue for a broken tooth?

While state laws can differ, you can generally claim compensation for a dental injury even if you were partially to blame for a slip and fall or car accident causing your injury. However, the settlement amount you can recover will typically be reduced by your degree of fault for the incident.

What to do in a dental emergency with no money?

Public Dental Clinics

Most clinics offer exams, cleanings, X-rays, root canals, fillings, crowns, and surgical tooth extractions. Some may have emergency dentists on call.

How can I fix my teeth but I don't have money?

Alternatives When You Can't Afford Dental Work
  1. Dental Schools. All those talented dentists need to learn how to do their jobs somewhere, and dental schools are the place. ...
  2. Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP. ...
  3. Clinical Trials. ...
  4. Community Health Centers. ...
  5. Dental Lifeline Network. ...
  6. Dental Savings Plan.

Will the ER pull a tooth?

The primary role of the ER is to manage acute medical conditions and stabilize patients. While ER doctors are skilled in handling a wide range of emergencies, they typically aren't equipped to perform specialized dental procedures like extractions. However, they can provide crucial initial care.

How much is a broken tooth without insurance?

How much does it cost to fix a broken tooth without insurance? The cost to fix a broken tooth without insurance varies widely. For minor issues like a small chip or crack, simple solutions like dental bonding may cost around $100 to $400 per tooth.

How long can a broken tooth go untreated?

If you let your chipped teeth go without any treatment for over two weeks, then the nerve of your tooth may die, and infection could develop in or around your mouth. It is best to just get it taken care of as soon as possible, so you don't have to suffer from more pain than necessary later down the road.

Can the ER fix a broken tooth?

Only Dentists Can Perform Dental Procedures

The emergency room can give you pain medication or antibiotics, and that's about it. The bottom line is that when it comes to dental emergencies, an ER can't treat a broken or chipped tooth. Save yourself time and stress by having your first call be to your dentist.

What is the cheapest way to replace a broken tooth?

Dental bonding may be the easiest and least expensive way to fix cracked teeth. But, time is of the essence, as delaying treatment may worsen the issue and necessitate more invasive treatments.

How urgent is broken tooth?

Any dental injury that causes agonizing pain needs urgent care. The treatment will relieve any pain that the patient is dealing with, while restoring the function and appearance of the tooth. Excruciating pain coming from a broken tooth is another sign that the pulp chamber has been compromised.

Will a hospital remove a broken tooth?

Emergency rooms may consider extracting a tooth in certain circumstances, particularly when the patient is experiencing severe pain, infection, or trauma that cannot wait for a dentist appointment.

What is the cheapest way to fix rotten teeth?

Fillings. The most frequent treatment for cavities, fillings replace the decayed portion of the tooth with either silver amalgam, composite resin, or porcelain material. Silver amalgam is cheaper and durable, but it's more visible. Composite resin or porcelain can blend in with the tooth color.

What happens if you ignore a rotten tooth?

When cavities progress far enough, the nerves on the inside of the tooth become exposed. These nerves are vulnerable to the outside elements and are easily damaged. If you have nerve damage, you may need to undergo a root canal procedure. If the nerves die from being exposed, the entire tooth may need to be extracted.

What is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection?

Clove oil is one of the strongest natural antibiotics for tooth infections. Clove oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with a tooth infection.

Can I go to the ER without insurance?

If you have a serious medical problem, hospitals must treat you regardless of whether you have insurance. This includes situations that meet the definition of an emergency. Some situations may not be considered true emergencies, such as: Going to the ER for non-life-threatening care.

What can I do if tooth pain is unbearable?

Do
  1. take painkillers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol (children under 16 should not take aspirin) – a pharmacist can advise you.
  2. use a pain-relieving gel for your mouth – this can be bought from pharmacies or supermarkets.
  3. try rinsing your mouth with salt water (children should not try this)

What qualifies as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any injury to your mouth that causes uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain or broken facial bones. Left untreated, a dental emergency can lead to even further issues, including the spread of infection, tooth mobility and even tooth loss.