how much to fix chipped tooth

You Chipped a Tooth - How Much Will Repairs Cost?

Dental Health

By: Spirit Dental

August 29, 2019

Two kids playing on a metal playground structure

Updated July 2021

Chipping your tooth can be traumatic, but you can get it fixed so it looks like it never happened. Just be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible to help reduce the risk of infection and further damage to the tooth.

What are some of the procedures that can restore a chipped tooth to its former glory? And how much can you expect to pay to fix your broken chomper? We cover it all below.

An Overview of the Treatments for Chipped Teeth

Here are the main treatments often used to fix a chipped tooth:

Bonding or Filling

Have a pretty minor chip? Then the good news is that you might be able to have it fixed with some filling, just like a cavity would be fixed. Easy enough! Bonding is also an option in this case. Using a composite resin that's colored to match your teeth, your dentist can repair a tooth that's more visible when you smile, such as one of your front teeth.

Veneers

Another option for a front tooth that's chipped is covering it with a veneer. This is basically an ultra-strong material that is placed on the surface of the tooth to make it look natural, like the chip never happened.

A Crown

In the event that your chip isn't so minor, such as if a larger portion of your tooth is broken off, a crown might be necessary. Basically, your dentist would start by filing or grinding the tooth down before adding a permanent crown that will look a lot like a natural tooth.

Root Canal

When a chip is so bad that it exposes the inner portion of your tooth, known as the pulp, your chomper becomes especially vulnerable. In this case, your dentist might recommend a root canal, and a crown might also be necessary.

How Much Will It All Cost?

You probably already assumed that the cost of fixing a chipped tooth will really depend on how much damage your tooth has incurred, and what treatment will be needed to repair it. You're right. But, beyond that, costs can also vary widely from one dentist to another.

Generally, you might expect to pay the following prices for the different treatments that can fix chipped teeth:

Bondinga tooth might cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, and the total cost might depend on how much work needs to be done on a tooth
A fillingmight cost anywhere from $90 to $500
A dental veneermight set you back $500 to $1,500
A crownmight cost as low as $250 or as high as $3,200, and the price might depend on the type of crown that you get and the location in the mouth where it's placed
A root canalmight be priced anywhere from $500 to $1,000, and it might also depend on the extent of the damage and the location in the mouth where the tooth is located

Your dentist can let you know which treatment(s) would work to fix your chipped tooth, and he or she can also discuss pricing with you to help you make the best decision for your oral health and your wallet.

Dental Insurance Can Help!

If the price tag associated with fixing a damaged tooth scares you, consider signing up for one of the many surprisingly affordable Spirit dental insurance plans that are available. They can help cover the chipped tooth repair cost so that it doesn't fall completely on your shoulders. What a relief! Get a quote today!

The bottom line is this: if you've chipped a tooth, it's wise to call your dentist right away to let him or her know what happened. From there, a thorough examination to assess the extent of the damage will give your dentist a better idea of what the best treatment would be to restore the look and function of your chomper. And when you have the right insurance to back you up, you won't have to delay in getting the care that you need to keep your smile looking great.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/repairing-a-chipped-or-broken-tooth#1
https://health.costhelper.com/dental-bonding.html
https://www.dmsmiles.com/blog/broken-tooth-repair-cost
https://www.mykoolsmiles.com/content/how-much-does-it-cost-to-fix-chipped-tooth/