can i just buy the front glass for a replacement?

surprised nobody has tried this already.

keep us posted.

I wouldnt do that myself - just a heads up.

It's possible but if this is the 4 or 4s you might damage it as you need to tear the entire thing apart. I wouldn't recommend it.

The iPhone 5 screen is easier to replace as you remove two screws near lightning port, lift up front screen with a suction cup, remove three screws holding a ribbon shield down and finally disconnect three ribbon cables.
Finding a replacement screen that is as bright and oleophobic as the original is another story.