A broken tooth is a common dental injury that ranges from small chips to large fractures exposing dentin or pulp. Treatment depends on the severity of the break, whether the nerve is involved, and the tooth’s location. In Korea, a variety of treatment options are available, and costs vary by procedure, materials, and clinic.



Common Causes of a Broken Tooth

Broken teeth can result from:

• Biting hard foods
• Sports injuries or trauma
• Accidents or falls
• Teeth weakened by decay
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)

The treatment approach depends on the level of damage and the goal of restoring both function and appearance.

Treatment Options and Typical Costs

1. Dental Bonding (Composite Resin)

Composite resin bonding restores small chips or minor breaks by applying tooth-colored material to the damaged area.

Typical cost: ₩100,000 – ₩300,000 per tooth

This option is quick, affordable, and often completed in a single visit. It’s best for small breaks with no nerve involvement.

2. Dental Filling (Resin or Amalgam)

If the break exposes a cavity or decay is present, a filling may be used to restore the tooth.

Typical cost:

• White resin filling: ₩50,000 – ₩150,000 per surface
• Silver amalgam filling: ₩30,000 – ₩100,000 per surface

Resin fillings blend naturally with surrounding teeth, while amalgam is a more durable but less aesthetic choice.

3. Porcelain/Ceramic Inlays and Onlays

For larger breaks where more structure needs repair, porcelain or ceramic inlays/onlays are custom-made restorations that fit the damaged area.

Typical cost: ₩500,000 – ₩1,800,000 per tooth

These restorations offer strong function and natural appearance.

4. Dental Crowns

Crowns fully cover a broken tooth, restoring strength and shape. Crowns are recommended when a large portion of the tooth is broken or weakened.

Typical cost: ₩800,000 – ₩2,000,000 per tooth

Materials may include porcelain, zirconia, or metal-ceramic, with prices varying accordingly.

5. Root Canal Therapy + Crown

If the fracture extends into the pulp (nerve), root canal treatment is necessary before placing a crown.

Typical costs:

• Root canal therapy: ₩200,000 – ₩600,000 per canal
• Crown: ₩800,000 – ₩2,000,000 per tooth

The total cost depends on how many canals need treatment and the crown material selected.

Factors That Affect the Cost

The final price for broken tooth treatment in Korea depends on several factors:

• Severity of the Break: Deeper or more complex fractures require more extensive treatment.
• Restoration Type: Simple bonding is less expensive than crowns or lab-made restorations.
• Material Quality: Premium ceramics or zirconia crowns cost more than basic materials.
• Clinic Location: Clinics in central Seoul or premium districts may charge higher fees.
• Dentist Expertise: Specialists in cosmetic or restorative dentistry may charge higher fees.

Insurance Coverage in Korea

Treatment for broken teeth that affects function or causes pain is generally considered medically necessary. In such cases, portions of basic treatment (fillings, basic crowns, root canal therapy) may be partially covered by Korean National Health Insurance.

However, premium materials such as ceramic crowns or cosmetic restorations may not be fully covered and often require out-of-pocket payment. Cosmetic upgrades are usually not reimbursed.

Patients should consult with their dentist and insurance provider to confirm specific coverage details.

Choosing the Right Treatment

• Small chips or surface breaks: Composite bonding
• Moderate structural damage: Inlays, onlays, or larger fillings
• Large breaks affecting tooth strength: Dental crown
• Nerve involvement or deep fracture: Root canal therapy + crown

A clinical examination and X-rays help determine the best option.

Conclusion

Broken tooth treatment costs in Korea vary widely depending on the severity of the damage and the treatment chosen. Prices typically range from ₩100,000 for simple bonding to over ₩2,000,000 for crowns and combined therapies. Partial insurance coverage may apply for medically necessary treatments, but premium or cosmetic procedures are usually out-of-pocket. Discussing options with a trusted dentist ensures the most appropriate plan for both function and aesthetics.