Cracked tooth repair cost in Korea

A cracked tooth can cause pain, sensitivity, and chewing problems, and left untreated it may lead to infection or further damage. Repairing a cracked tooth typically involves restorative or cosmetic dental work—such as fillings, crowns, onlays, or root canal therapy—depending on the severity of the crack.



If you’re a foreigner in Korea without national health insurance, understanding the cracked tooth repair cost in Korea helps you budget your dental care and make informed decisions before treatment.

What Is a Cracked Tooth Repair?

A cracked tooth repair refers to any dental procedure used to restore a tooth that is fractured, chipped, or partially broken. Treatment varies based on the location and depth of the crack:

• Minor chips or surface cracks may require a filling or bonding
• Moderate cracks may need porcelain or ceramic inlays/onlays
• Severe cracks extending into the nerve may require a crown or root canal

Your dentist will evaluate the crack using visual inspection and X-rays to determine the optimal treatment.

Typical Cracked Tooth Repair Costs in Korea

Repairing a cracked tooth in Korea can involve one or more dental procedures. Below are typical price ranges foreign patients may encounter without Korean national health insurance:

Composite Resin Filling (Minor Crack / Chip)

• 60,000 – 120,000 KRW per tooth
  Used for small cracks or chips where tooth structure can be restored with a tooth-colored filling.

Porcelain Inlay/Onlay (Moderate Crack)

• 300,000 – 700,000 KRW per tooth
  Used when a filling isn’t strong enough; ceramic inlays/onlays provide durable aesthetic restoration.

Dental Crown (Severe Crack)

• 150,000 – 600,000+ KRW per tooth
  Crowns protect and restore a cracked tooth when a large portion of the structure is compromised. Premium ceramic or zirconia crowns may cost more.

Root Canal Treatment (Crack Into the Nerve)

• 100,000 – 250,000+ KRW
  If the crack extends into the pulp (nerve), a root canal may be required before placing a crown.

Post and Core (After Root Canal)

• 80,000 – 200,000 KRW
  Provides internal support for a crown-restored cracked tooth.

3D Dental CT Scan (Diagnostic Imaging)

• 80,000 – 200,000 KRW
  Provides detailed images of the crack and tooth structure for accurate planning.

Cracked Tooth Repair Costs at Different Clinics

Neighborhood Dental Clinics
Smaller clinics often offer more affordable repair fees and are suitable for routine restorative work such as fillings and crowns.

Cosmetic Dental Centers & Major Hospitals
Clinics in central metropolitan areas like Seoul (Gangnam, Apgujeong) may charge toward the higher end of ranges due to advanced imaging, digital planning, and premium materials.

Even at higher-end clinics, cracked tooth repair costs in Korea remain competitive compared to similar procedures in Western countries.

What’s Included in the Repair Cost

Cracked tooth repair fees generally include:

• Dental examination and assessment
• Tooth preparation
• Placement of filling, inlay/onlay, or crown
• Standard local anesthesia

Ask your clinic whether anesthesia is included, as some facilities charge it separately.

What’s Not Typically Included

Quoted prices may not include:

• Separate check-up or consultation fee
• X-rays or 3D CT scan
• Sedation anesthesia (if requested)
• Follow-up visits beyond placement
• Post-repair polishing or adjustments

Request a written estimate before treatment to avoid unexpected fees.

Factors That Affect Cracked Tooth Repair Cost

Several elements influence the total cost:

Extent of the Crack
Minor cracks are cheaper to fix than extensive fractures.

Type of Restoration
Fillings are least expensive; crowns and inlays/onlays cost more.

Material Choice
Premium ceramics or zirconia cost more than basic materials.

Clinic Location and Reputation
Clinics in major cities or with strong cosmetic dentistry branding are more expensive.

Diagnostic Needs
Costs increase if imaging like 3D scans are required.

Is Cracked Tooth Repair Covered by Insurance?

For patients enrolled in Korean national health insurance (NHIS), basic restorative work such as fillings or simple crowns may receive partial coverage, significantly reducing out-of-pocket cost. However, advanced materials, cosmetic upgrades, and additional diagnostics are often not fully covered.

Foreigners without NHIS typically pay the full cost out of pocket for all cracked tooth repair services.

Typical Scenario Costs (Example)

Here are example total costs for common scenarios:

• Minor chip repaired with composite filling: ~60,000 – 120,000 KRW
• Moderate crack restored with porcelain inlay/onlay: ~300,000 – 700,000 KRW
• Severe crack needing crown: ~150,000 – 600,000+ KRW
• Crack involving nerve (root canal + crown): ~250,000 – 850,000+ KRW
  These combined figures include typical fees without insurance.
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Final Thoughts on Cracked Tooth Repair Cost in Korea

The cracked tooth repair cost in Korea depends on the severity of the crack and the type of restoration needed. For foreigners without insurance, prices are generally:

• Composite filling: 60,000 – 120,000 KRW
• Porcelain inlay/onlay: 300,000 – 700,000 KRW
• Crown: 150,000 – 600,000+ KRW
• Root canal: 100,000 – 250,000+ KRW

By understanding typical cost ranges and what factors affect pricing, foreign patients can plan dental treatment in Korea with confidence and clarity.