Fix Chipped Teeth
A chipped or broken tooth can lead to an infection if left untreated for too long so it is important that you contact your dentist so they can see you as soon as possible to repair your tooth. It can be tempting to mess with the damaged tooth with your tongue but try as hard as you can to leave it alone!
In the meantime, there are some steps you can take to reduce pain and risk of infection such as using a warm salt water rinse, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, covering the damaged tooth with wax or a temporary dental repair product to protect it from further damage. It is also important to avoid chewing on the affected tooth.
What treatments are available to repair a chipped tooth?
Your dentist will have a few options available to you to repair a chipped tooth. The restoration that they choose to provide for you depends on the severity of your chip. Some very minor chips may be able to be smoothed out in one quick visit while others can be severe enough to require a veneer. Below, we will review treatment options and their costs.
- Composite Bonding: This is the simplest and least costly option for repairing a chipped tooth (other than simply smoothing the tooth!) and can usually be done during a 20 to 30-minute visit and does not require any anesthetic. Your dentist will clean and dry the area to be treated and edge the surface of the tooth with an acidic etching liquid. The composite material is applied and shaped to match your tooth’s original shape. Once the material is on, it is set with an ultraviolet light that hardens the material. Your dentist will then be able to finesse the shape of your tooth and smooth any rough edges of the composite material. Composite bonding can cost between $100 and $700 per tooth.
- Dental Crowns: If a chip is very extensive or has caused a fracture in the tooth, your dentist may choose to place a crown over the entire exposed surface of your tooth in order to save the tooth. A crown is a porcelain restoration that matches the shade of the rest of your teeth and covers the affected tooth entirely. Your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing a small portion of the enamel and taking an impression before fabricating your new tooth. Dental crowns are usually made from porcelain material and cost between $250 and $2500.
- Dental Veneers: like dental crowns, veneers are fabricated using porcelain but are significantly thinner and do not cover the entire tooth structure. Veneers are great for anterior teeth since they do not take a lot of wear and tear. Veneers cost between $850 and $3000 per tooth.
If a tooth has suffered severe damage that caused The pulp of the tooth to become exposed, your Dentist will likely recommend that you receive root canal treatment before having a crown or veneer placed. The cost of a root canal can run between $500 and $1500 depending upon the number of canals affected and the location of the tooth in the mouth.
More on Fixing Teeth : Fix Tooth Pain & Toothache