When a tooth is broken, your chipped tooth repair treatment options and cost depend on the extent and location of the damage.
If you have a chipped or broken tooth, there are several options available to repair it. The treatment and cost will depend on the size and location of the chip, as well as your individual needs and preferences.
For minor chipped teeth, your dentist may be able to repair the tooth with dental bonding. This involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to the affected area, shaping it to match the natural contours of your tooth, and colouring it to match your other teeth. The bonding material is then hardened with a special light and polished to a smooth finish.
For larger chips/cracks or those that affect the tooth’s biting surface, a dental crown may be needed to repair it. Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fit over the broken tooth, restoring its size, strength and structure. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal. The cost of a crown varies depending on the material.
If the chip or crack is severe or the tooth is completely broken, a root canal and dental implant may be necessary to repair the tooth’s function and appearance.
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to repair or save a broken tooth that has become infected or damaged at the root level. The process involves removing the infected or damaged pulp (soft tissue) from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing the tooth with a filling.
Symptoms of infected or damaged pulp under your teeth may include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or discharge.
The root canal procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia to ensure your comfort. Your dentist will create an opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp, then remove the infected or damaged tissue using specialised instruments. The root canals are then cleaned and shaped to allow for filling material to be placed.
After the root canals are filled, a dental filling or crown is placed on top of the tooth to provide additional protection and support for the broken tooth. The cost of a root canal can depend on the severity of the issue.
You can take several steps to reduce the risk of needing a chipped or cracked tooth repair.
If you participate in contact sports or other physical activities, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from impact and reduce the risk of broken, chipped or cracked teeth.
Be careful when eating hard foods like ice, lollies, and popcorn kernels, as they can chip or crack your teeth. Try to stick to soft foods that protect your teeth and avoid costly repairs.
Your teeth are meant for biting and chewing food, not opening bottles or tearing open packages. Using your teeth as tools increases the risk of a tooth fracture or damaging tooth enamel.
Keeping your teeth clean and healthy can help prevent tooth sensitivity, decay and gum disease, which can weaken your teeth and make them more susceptible to chipping or cracking, which will need repair.
Regular dental check-ups can help detect any early signs of damage or tooth decay and can provide a small fix to help prevent minor problems from turning into bigger ones, which will require more extensive and more costly repairs.
The cost of repairing a chipped or broken tooth can vary depending on the size and location of the chip and the type of treatment needed. Here are some estimated costs for different treatment options.
This is the least expensive option for repairing chipped teeth, with costs ranging from $100 to $500 per tooth. The exact cost will depend on the extent of the damage and the location of the tooth.
The cost of a dental crown can range from $1,500 to $2,500 per tooth, depending on the material used and the complexity of the restoration.
If the broken teeth are severe enough to require a root canal, the cost can range from $900 to $3,000 per tooth. The cost will depend on the extent of the damage and whether or not a dental crown is needed after the procedure.
Extraction may be necessary if the tooth is too severely damaged or broken to be repaired. The cost of a tooth extraction can range from $250 to $650 per tooth, depending on the tooth’s location and the extraction’s complexity.
It’s essential to keep in mind that these are estimated costs and can vary depending on your dental insurance coverage and individual circumstances, such as a dental emergency needing immediate treatment.
To get a more accurate estimate of broken teeth repair cost, it’s best to schedule a consultation with one of our leading dentists at Kensington Dental Care.