How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Chipped Tooth
The beautiful young woman is at the dentist. She is open-mouthed and shows newly fixed aesthetic self-aligning lingual locks. Close-up.
Chips or fractures to the teeth are relatively common. It is often caused by biting down on hard foods or an injury to the mouth or face (accidents or sports injury). It may seem like a little problem or cosmetic imperfection. Still, it can cause a serious issue that requires immediate treatment from a dental professional. The cost of fixing a chipped tooth can vary widely depending on many factors, including the severity of the chip, the type of treatment required, and the materials used. Read on to learn the causes and treatment options for a chipped tooth, how much you can expect to pay to repair it, and when you should see a dentist.
What is a Chipped Tooth?
A chipped tooth is a tooth that has cracked, and it can be accompanied by discomfort or pain. A chipped tooth can occur if you bite something too hard or experience a fall, injury or other trauma. The severity of chipped teeth can also vary depending on the type of injury, your teeth condition and the extent of damage.
It looks unpleasant, but leaving a chipped tooth untreated can lead to further complications. It can cause pain, sensitivity, difficulty chewing, and even more extensive dental problems. This is because when you chew, your tooth is exposed to very cold or hot temperatures, which can cause pain or discomfort. Extensive cracks can also infect the tooth’s pulp tissue, which may be spread to the surrounding bone and gums.
Causes of a Chipped Tooth
Knowing the causes of a chipped tooth is essential, which can help you take preventive measures and avoid habits that may increase the risk of dental damage. Your teeth enamel may be the hardest substance in the human body, but it is as brittle as glass. Chipped teeth are not caused when you bite into forks, olive pits, crab legs or anything hard. All it takes is a hard chew into an unsuspecting, hard-textured food like chewing on ice or hard candies or biting down on a hard object can cause a chipped tooth. The other factors that cause a chipped tooth are teeth grinding (bruxism), cavities, accidents, falls, or contact sports.
what are the Types of Treatments for a Chipped Tooth?
Many treatment options are available to fix a chipped tooth, each with cost implications. Here are the most common treatments:
Dental Bonding/ Filling
Dental bonding or filling is a cost-effective and non-invasive treatment for chipped teeth. It involves applying a tooth-coloured resin material to the chipped area and hardening it with a special light. Dental bonding or filling can improve the appearance and functionality of a chipped toothy. Simple dental bonding or filling procedures may cost between $150 and $450 per tooth.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin. They are tailor-made to fit over the front surface of the teeth. Dental veneers are durable, stain-resistant, and excellent for repairing chipped teeth. They can provide a natural-looking result and improve aesthetics. Dental veneers range from $350 to $2,000 per tooth.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns may be recommended for severe cases of chipped teeth. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire damaged tooth, providing strength and protection. They are made from metal, porcelain, or both materials. Dental crowns are more expensive, ranging from $1,000 – $2,500 per tooth.
Dental Implants
A dental implant may be recommended if a chipped tooth is damaged or cannot be repaired. It involves the surgical placement of a metal (titanium) post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root. After the implant integrates with the bone, a dental crown is attached to complete the restoration. Dental implants offer long-lasting solutions for missing or severely damaged teeth, costing between $4,000 and $7,000 per tooth.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal may be necessary if the chip is severe and exposes the tooth’s pulp. This procedure removes the damaged pulp and seals the tooth. Root canal therapy may cost between $700 – $3,000 per tooth.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Chipped Tooth Repair?
Many factors can influence the cost of repairing a chipped tooth. It’s important to consider these factors when estimating the expenses for chipped tooth repair:
Type of Treatment Required
The treatment recommended to repair chipped teeth can significantly affect the overall cost. Simpler procedures, like dental fillings, are less expensive than more complex treatments, like dental implants.
Severity of the Chip
The extent of the chipped tooth will determine the treatment cost. A minor chip only requires dental bonding, which is less expensive than a severe chip, which requires more extensive treatments, such as dental crowns or implants.
Dentist’s Expertise and Location
The experience and reputation of the emergency dentist, as well as the location of the dental practice, can influence costs. Dental services tend to be more expensive in urban or metropolitan areas. They may charge higher fees compared to those in rural locations.
Materials Used for Repair
The type of materials used in the repair, such as porcelain or composite resin, can affect the cost. Higher-quality materials typically have a higher price tag.
Additional Dental Procedures
In some cases, additional dental procedures are required to fix a chipped tooth. Root canal treatment may be necessary before restoration if a chipped tooth has decay or infection. These additional procedures can increase the overall cost of treatment.
Insurance coverage
Dental insurance can significantly impact the cost of fixing a chipped tooth. If you have dental insurance, it may cover a portion of the expenses.
How to Prevent Chipping a Tooth?
You can reduce the risk of chipping a tooth by avoiding chewing ice, hard lollies, and other hard foods. Biting down on hard substances can easily chip your teeth. If you participate in contact sports, you might be at a high risk of chipping a tooth. Wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury. Good oral hygiene can prevent chipping a tooth and other dental issues.
What Should You Do If You Chip a Tooth?
If you chip a tooth, rush to the dental care as soon as possible. If left untreated, it can cause pain and lead to further damage. It would be best if you did some things to prevent pain and discomfort. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the affected area and remove debris. If you have swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth. Save the chipped piece of the tooth if you can, and bring it to the dentist. Contact your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment. The dentist will assess the damage and recommend the right treatment.