The average chipped tooth repair cost varies greatly depending on the severity of the break. On the low end, the cost to repair a chipped tooth may be around $40, with mid-range chipped tooth repair costing $200, and high severity chipped tooth repair costing as much as $1,000. This article breaks down data from over 1,000 dentists, and details the cost of of repairing a chipped tooth, to help patients make an informed decision about their oral health. It will also discuss the different factors that can affect the final tooth repair cost so that patients never receive surprise bills in the mail.
Factors Affecting Chipped Tooth Repair Costs
There are various factors that affect the cost to repair a chipped tooth. Based on these factors a dentist will then be able to choose an appropriate treatment option for their patient.
Size of the Chip
The first factor affecting a chipped tooth repair cost is the severity of the chip. A small chip may only require a simple bonding procedure which can be done in one office visit. However, a larger chip may require more extensive work such as a veneer or crown.
Depth of the Chip
The second factor is the depth of the chip. A shallow chip will not usually require as much work as a deep chip. This is because a deep chip may have caused damage to the nerve of the tooth which will then require a root canal procedure in addition to the repair of the chipped tooth. In general, the depth of the chip can be broken down into three categories: through the enamel, through the dentin and enamel, and through the pulp, dentin and enamel.
Location of the Tooth
Another important factor is the location of the chipped tooth. A front tooth will usually require more work than a back tooth since it is more visible. Not only will a dentist have to make sure the tooth structure is intact but also take extra steps to make sure that the look of the tooth is perfect.
Location of the Dentist
The location of the dentist also affects tooth chip repair costs. Dentists in rural areas typically charge less for tooth extractions than dentists in urban areas. This is because the cost of living is typically lower in rural areas, which means that dentists can charge less for their services.
Treatment for Chipped Tooth
Depending on the above factors affecting your chipped tooth, your dentist will recommend one of the following treatment options:
Nothing
If the chip is small and does not pose any threat to the structural integrity of the tooth, your dentist may recommend that you do nothing. If this is the case then it is up to you to decide whether or not the aesthetics of the tooth is enough to make you want to undergo treatment.
Polishing
If the chip is very small, your dentist may be able to simply smooth it out by polishing the tooth. This procedure is usually quick and easy and can be done in one office visit.
| Average Polishing Cost ($) | Low-End Polishing Cost (10th percentile) | High-End Polishing Cost (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 0 | 70 |
Direct Dental Bonding (Direct Restoration)
If the chip is a little bit larger, your dentist may recommend direct dental bonding (aka filling). This is a quick and easy procedure where a tooth-colored resin is applied to the chipped tooth and then hardened with a UV light. The adhesive bond between the resin and the tooth usually lasts for about 10 years.
| Average Root Canal Cost ($) | Low-End Root Canal Cost (10th percentile) | High-End Root Canal Cost (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|
| 236 | 171 | 324 |
Indirect Dental Bonding (Indirect Restoration)
If the chip is large or if it is located in a visible area, your dentist may recommend an indirect dental bonding procedure. This involves making a mold of the chipped tooth and then creating a custom-made veneer, inlay, onlay, or crown that fits over the tooth. The veneer or crown is then attached to the tooth with dental bonding.
| Procedure Type | Average Cost ($) | Low-End Cost (10th percentile) | High-End Cost (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veneer Costs | 1,121 | 806 | 1,417 |
| Crown Costs | 937 | 704 | 1291 |
| Inlay/Onlay Costs | 1,070.33 | 770 | 1,418 |
Root Canal
If the chipped tooth has caused damage to the nerve, your dentist will recommend a root canal procedure. This is a more invasive procedure that involves removing the damaged nerve tissue and then filling the tooth with a special material.
| Average Root Canal Cost ($) | Low-End Root Canal Cost (10th percentile) | High-End Root Canal Cost (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|
| 1004 | 750 | 1380 |
Extraction
In some cases, the chipped tooth may be too damaged to repair. If this is the case, your dentist will recommend extracting the tooth. However, this is extremely unlikely.
| Average Tooth Extraction Cost ($) | Low-End Tooth Extraction Cost (10th percentile) | High-End Tooth Extraction Cost (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|
| 324 | 218 | 424 |
For a full breakdown of all dental procedure costs click here.
What to Do Once You Have Chipped a Tooth
If you have chipped a tooth, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you get treatment, the less extensive (and expensive) the treatment will be. Leaving a chipped tooth that is serious may result in further damage to the tooth. If you are not sure whether or not you need treatment, you can always ask your dentist for an evaluation. He or she will be able to tell you whether or not the chipped tooth poses a threat to your oral health and recommend the best course of treatment.
If you are in pain there are a few things that you can do while you wait to see the dentist:
- Take Advil (Ibuprofen) or Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
- If the tooth is sharp and may injure you further you can place sugarless chewing gum over the injured area
- Avoid chewing on the injured tooth until it is treated to avoid further damage
How can I get a Cheap Chipped Tooth Repair?
To help reduce the cost of a chipped tooth repair there are a few options:
Dental Schools
One way to get a cheap chipped tooth repair is to go to a dental school. Dental schools are educational institutions that train students to become dentists. They typically have clinics where students can gain hands-on experience treating patients. The treatments provided at these clinics are usually very cheap or even free. However, the downside is that students typically are much slower and less experienced than practicing dentists.
Community Dental Clinics
Another option for getting a cheap chipped tooth repair is to go to a community dental clinic. Community dental clinics are non-profit organizations that provide dental care to underserved communities. They typically offer their services at a reduced cost or even for free. However, the downside is that these clinics are often very busy and have long waitlists.
There are a few organizations that provide free chipped tooth repair to low-income individuals. One such organization is the Dental Lifeline Network. The Dental Lifeline Network is a non-profit organization that provides free dental care to low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Another organization that provides free fillings is the Give a Kid a Smile Program from the American Dental Association. The Give a Kid a Smile Program is a non-profit organization that provides free dental health education, screenings, preventive care, and/or treatment for kids.
HMOs
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are organizations that provide health insurance coverage to their members. Many HMOs have dental plans that cover the cost of chipped tooth repair. However, the downside is that HMOs often have a limited network of dentists that they work with.
Dental Discount Plans
Another option for getting a cheap tooth repair is to sign up for a dental discount plan. Dental discount plans are not insurance plans, but rather membership plans that offer discounts on dental services from a network of dentists. These plans typically have an annual fee that entitles the member to a certain percentage off of dental services. The downside is that dental discount plans often have a limited network of dentists that they work with.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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