A chipped tooth can make you feel uncomfortable due to the pain and its adverse effect on your smile. Fortunately, there are several ways for you to fix it no matter how you got your tooth broken. Depending on the damage, your doctor might recommend something as simple as bonding or a more complex procedure such as a root canal treatment.
Given the various repair methods, there is also a variation on the chipped tooth repair cost.
Average Chipped Tooth Repair Cost
The cost of fixing a chipped tooth varies widely, typically ranging from as little as $100 to as much as $3,000. The exact price that you would have to pay will mainly depend on the extent of the damage and how close it is to the nerve (or pulp) of the tooth.
Aside from that, you would also have to consider the cost of living in your location. Clinics or dental centers in metropolitan areas will likely charge higher rates for the procedure compared to those in small towns.
Cost Breakdown
Let’s take a look at the specific procedures:
- Tooth Bonding– this treatment applies to damages that are far from the nerve of the tooth. Your dentist will only use a material made from resin or plastic that is shaped to the tooth and will bond it to the damaged area through the use of ultraviolet light. The teeth bonding price runs around $100 to $200. There are instances, though, when the cost can reach as high as $1,000.
- Veneers- this treatment is similar to tooth bonding, except that it lasts longer. Your dentist may also charge higher rates for this procedure. The repair charges ranges from $500 to $1,300 per tooth.
- Dental Crowns- dentists generally use this material to fix a cracked molar or a chipped tooth that has some decay. The cost typically ranges between $600 and $3,000.
- Root Canal Treatment- you need to undergo this procedure if the damage already reached the pulp of your tooth. Basically, we’re not only talking about chips or cracks for this treatment as the repair would have to go deeper. The price, on the other hand, ranges from $1,500 to $2,000.
If you can’t spend that much money to repair your tooth, you may opt to remove it completely through extraction. This procedure will only cost you as much as $200.
Money Saving Tips
Dental procedures can be quite expensive so it’s only natural to look for ways to cut down on costs. One of the automatic options is paying through your insurance company. However, note that you can only make use of available policy if your dentist will use the composite resin material for treating decay or other damage. There is no coverage if the treatment is done for purely aesthetic reasons.
If the insurance company won’t pay for the procedure, there is at least a way to lessen the burden. The clinic or center, for instance, may offer financing options such as:
- A payment plan that will fit your budget
- In-house financing (with approved credit)
- Promotions and discounts
You can also apply for a third-party financing.
DIY Considerations
For wanting to save some money, you may want to try fixing a chipped tooth on your own. There are actually DIY kits or products that you can use to repair a chip or crack.
Of course, it’s still best to consult your dentist if there is any damage to your teeth. In cases when there’s pain, though, you can opt to employ first aid. Over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol can keep the pain and swell to a minimum. You can also apply a cold compress to minimize the pain.
At-home repairs can also help temporarily fix your tooth especially if you have a problem with exposed nerves. You’d be using temporary dental cement to cover up the said nerves so you can chew hot and cold foods without the discomfort.
You can also improve the appearance of a chipped tooth, provided that the damage is small and just a corner. You can do the cosmetic repair yourself by filing down the jagged edge of the damage with an emery board, turning it into a curve. This will make the chipped tooth appear blended in.