Can you confidently smile with a chipped or broken tooth? Losing teeth isn’t a good thing since the tooth fairy stopped sending us surprises, and we have to pay dentists.
However, How much does it cost to fix a chipped tooth?
I have outlined all treatment options available for a chipped tooth, along with their average prices. So be prepared!
Table of Content
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Chipped Tooth
Do you want to know how much does it cost to fix a chipped tooth in the USA? Here is a complete list of treatment options and their average prices. The cost of treatment varies depending on the extent of tooth damage and the location of the tooth.
| Treatment Option | Price of treatment per tooth |
| Tooth Filling | $90, up to $500 |
| Dental Implant | $3,000, up to $5,000 |
| Dental Bonding | $200, up to $1,000 |
| RCT (Root Canal Therapy) | $500, up to $1,800 |
| Jacket crowns | $250, up to $2,500 |
| Dental Veneer | $600, up to $2,500 |
| Dental Crown | $300, up to $$3,000 |
| Dental Onlay | $650, up to $1,200 |
The price ranges listed above are without dental insurance.
Treatment Options for Chipped Teeth
Treatment for an injured or broken tooth depends on the degree of damage. Your dentist can fill or bond a slightly cracked or split tooth. However, your dentist will recommend an RCT if you have damaged roots or pus buildup in your gums.
According to your tooth injury, you will be prescribed one of the following seven types of treatment:
Dental Filling
A dental filling is an effective way to fix a minor chipped tooth. Also, dentists can use it to fill up the cavities. The procedure is generally performed on the morals and less visible teeth.
The filling is made from white restorative material, usually silver amalgam or composite resin. It is a painless, budget-friendly option for treating minor tooth cracks.
Dental filling Cost Per Tooth in the USA
Fillings are usually priced according to the material used and the number of teeth filled. Typically, they range from $50 to $4500. Indeed, composite fillings are more expensive than standard fillings. The cost ranges from $300 to $400 per tooth.
Dental Bonding
A dental bonding procedure is an effective way to repair minor damage to teeth. Indeed, bonding can fix chips, cracks, fractures, and gaps in teeth. Dental professionals use a composite resin that precisely matches the color of your teeth to repair your teeth. The procedure is generally used for more visible front teeth.
Cost per tooth in the USA
The price of your treatment will depend on where you live, the extent of the treatment, and the dentist’s expertise. Typically, you can expect to pay $300 to $600 per tooth.
Dental Veneer
If you are reluctant to smile due to scuffed teeth, consider veneers. It is more used for cosmetic purposes. In it, dentists place porcelain or zirconia layers on chipped teeth. Thus, it makes the tooth look natural and strong. Thus, chipped teeth are a thing of the past.
Cost per tooth in the USA
The cost of a full mouth of veneers ranges from $10,000 to $40,000. However, you may get a discount for full mouth veneer.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is the extensive surgical process of replacing an old tooth with an artificial tooth that works much like a natural. In this process, tooth roots are replaced by metals, screws, etc. That fix crown, bridges, or dentures in place.
Also, it gives solid support to your teeth. Dental implants require sufficient time to fix and work properly.
Cost per tooth in the USA
Most Americans cannot afford the cost of dental implants. Usually, one tooth costs between $1500 and $6000.
For full mouth implants, the average cost is $40,000—even less expensive options like All-on-4 cost around $15,000.
Dental Crown
A dental crown is a tooth cap that covers big holes and cusps on a tooth. The dentist recommends a crown for the following dental issues:
- Weak teeth
- Worn out tooth
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Broken tooth
The dentist fills and grinds the teeth before adding a crown for a natural look and better fixation. Crowns are made from different materials such as porcelain, composite resin, ceramic, or even gold and silver.
Cost per tooth in the USA
The cost of a crown depends on its material and size. In general, a crown costs between $1100 and $1500. However, gold crowns are more expensive. Similarly, if you need a root canal, bone graft, or gum surgery before your crown is cemented, then the price will go up.
Root Canal Therapy
Dentists can treat inflamed and damaged tooth roots with Root Canal Therapy. Steps involved in RCT are:
- Removal of infected pulp from root canals
- Disinfection of root canals carefully
- Filling of tooth
- Lastly, seal with a crown or other covering (optional)
It is a permanent solution for painful, chipped, and broken teeth.
Cost per tooth in the USA
In general, RCT costs between $600 and $1400. It depends on the condition of the root and its location. Although, it may seem like a lot of money to pay for all at once.
The cost of root canal therapy is worth the relief from pain, preserving the tooth, and preventing further damage to its neighboring teeth.
Dental Onlay
For larger cusp holes, onlays are a better option than crowns. Dentists recommend it for covering bigger cavity holes. Usually, onlay is made from ceramic, composite resin, or even gold in a laboratory. The dental seal is designed to prevent further damage.
Cost per tooth in the USA
Onlay is undoubtedly a better alternative to a crown, but it is also more expensive. Onlays typically range from $350 to $1500. Costs vary based upon the materials used, the size, and the location of the tooth.
I Cannot Afford Dental Work, What Can I Do?
Your broken teeth need to be fixed as soon as possible. You might overlook a damaged tooth that is hidden and does not show when you smile. But, the broken tooth can infect your gums, damage your other teeth, and cause other oral and health issues.
Get quality dental care at an affordable price with these options!
Community Dental Clinics
In the Community Dental Clinics, you can get quality treatments at low prices. The public hospitals have their dental clinics, or they can refer you to one. Also, you can use the internet to find a good community clinic.
However, the official website of the American Dental Association (ADA) can also help you get a map of dental health clinics.
Dental Schools
It takes experience and classroom training before a dentist gains a license. Generally, health care at schools isn’t always free because schools usually operate on a sliding scale. Still, the prices of the service are always meager.
However, you will likely spend more time in the dentist’s chair since medical students are supervised by a dentist who checks their work carefully. The clinic might need to schedule you for multiple visits.
Dental Insurance
If you have dental insurance, contact your company right away and book an appointment with the dentist. You will receive a 50, 70, or 100% reimbursement, depending on your insurance policy.
How To Fix a Chipped Tooth at Home?
Minor or less complicated conditions can be cured at home, but consult a dentist for better oral care. Here are a few options that you can use to have temporary relief.
Rinse Your Mouth
Rinse your mouth with warm water after getting a crack on your tooth. It will prevent infection, ease the pain, and help clean the mouth.
Control Swelling
If your tooth starts bleeding, apply pressure to stop it. Then, use cold compressor packs to reduce swelling and inflammation on the chipped or broken tooth.
Dental Wax To Fix Minor Chips
Your tongue or gums may be cut when your teeth chip from the edges. Fortunately, dental wax can be found at any pharmacy and used on cracked teeth. Also, this will prevent further injury to your tooth.
Avoid Chewing On The Damaged Side
When cracked teeth are used for eating, they can break. Therefore, you should avoid eating from the side of a chipped tooth. Moreover, eat soft, low-sugar foods.
Related: 7 Easy Foods To Eat When You Have A Toothache
Use Pain Relievers
When you suffer from toothache, you can take medicine over-the-counter, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen to relieve the pain temporarily. Make sure you consult a dentist as soon as possible!
FAQ
Do chipped teeth hurt?
A chipped tooth can be extremely painful. A flare-up of this pain may occur. However, even if there is no pain, it can cause gum infection or inflammation. Further, it can lead to root distortion. So, if you have a chipped tooth, fix it as soon as possible.
Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?
It is not a medical emergency to have a chipped tooth. It can be fixed by filling and bonding. However, if you have severe gum inflammation, you need root canal therapy – a planned procedure, not an emergency.
Why are my teeth rotting and breaking?
Unhygienic mouth care leads to teeth rotting and breaking. Plaque collects on the tooth and causes several tooth infections, which lead to tooth decay. Aside from decay, it can cause cavities, yellowing, root damage, and many gum infections.
Following factors lead to decay in your tooth and eventual breaking of the tooth:
- Bacterial attack
- Drinking sugar or carbonated drinks
- Alcohol consumption
- Sudden fall on the floor
- Mouth unhygienic
How long does it take to fix a chipped tooth?
Your chipped teeth may be fixed according to the treatment you received. Fillings and bonding take about 60 minutes to fix. If, however, you have a damaged root repair, you should wait until the artificial root is properly seated in your mouth without any complications. As well, crowns and onlay also require time to fix properly.
How can I get money to fix my teeth?
It can be helpful to have dental insurance. In case it isn’t, then you can borrow money or ask a friend for help. Furthermore, you can run an online fundraising campaign for your treatment.
Here are some other options you might find helpful for an affordable treatment:
- Visit a local dental clinic
- A few dentists are involved in volunteer work
- Find a dental student to assist you
- Visit public hospitals
How to protect your mouth until you see a dentist?
If you have a crack or a broken tooth, you can apply wax to prevent it from cutting your mouth. To reduce inflammation, you can also use an old compressor. If your tooth is hurting badly, you should take low-potential medicines. Such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
It would be best if you also washed your mouth with warm water to prevent infection.
Healthy Teeth Make You Smile Confidently!
It hurts when teeth are chipped, cracked, or broken. Besides hurting and irritating you, it also hinders your perfect smile. Therefore, don’t neglect your minor changes to the teeth and consult a dentist to get healthy teeth.
Don’t drink anything too sweet or bubbly, and brush and floss twice a day. Taking care of your teeth is vital because if you have strong teeth, you can eat well. You can thus live well. So don’t worry, how much does it cost to fix a chipped tooth. Take a dental check-up to say cheese!
