Chipped Tooth Repair Cost

Approximately 25% of Americans with low income classify their teeth as being in poor condition. Among those in Arizona who do not regularly visit the dentist, 66% cite the high cost of treatment as their reason for not seeking dental care. The tooth enamel on the exterior of our teeth is extremely durable. Teeth may chip or fracture when they are directly impacted, such as when you bite something that is hard. Those with teeth that are decaying are most susceptible to tooth breaks.

What to Do If You Chip a Tooth

If you chip or break a tooth, see your dentist immediately. Failing to fix a chipped tooth may lead to further damage and/or a possible infection. If you are experiencing tooth pain, you may be able to take an over-the-counter pain reliever for pain relief. Rinsing your mouth with salt water may help reduce any swelling and pain. Be careful if the broken tooth has a sharp edge. Your tooth can be covered temporarily with a small piece of wax paraffin or sugarless chewing gum. Eat soft foods and avoid hard foods until you can see your dentist.

Tooth Repair Using a Filling or Bonding

Your dentist may apply a filling to your damaged tooth. Teeth that are highly visible may be bonded. A composite resin that is the color of your tooth is typically used for bonding. Your dentist will use an adhesive to restructure the tooth that may be hardened using ultraviolet light. It is important to keep in mind that the bonding material is unlikely to be as durable as your natural tooth.

The cost of having a tooth filled with a resin composite may cost between $90 and $450. Dental insurance coverage may pay for these types of procedures. Dental bonding procedures that are cosmetic often range from $300 to $600.

Tooth Repair Using a Cap or Crown

If a portion of your tooth is broken or has decayed, the remaining part of the tooth may be filed and then covered with a cap or dental crown. There are several materials that may be used for reconstruction. Metal crowns are very strong; however, they may not appear as natural as those composed of resin or porcelain. A crown may be created by fusing porcelain over metal. If the majority of your tooth has broken off, a root canal may be performed to create a sturdy base that is then crowned.

The cost of a cap or crown procedure can vary widely. Factors may include the location or condition of your tooth, as well as the process and materials required. Dental insurance may provide some coverage when medically necessary. The following table shows the general price ranges.

Tooth Repair Using Veneers

Dental veneers are an option for restoring a broken tooth. This involves creating a tooth-colored exterior that is composed of resin or porcelain. It is often necessary to remove enamel from the existing tooth to ensure proper adhesion. The dentist will make an impression of your tooth that is then used in a laboratory to create your veneers.

A common 0.5-millimeter porcelain veneer will generally cost $500 to $1,100 per tooth. If the thinner Lumineers brand is used, the price may rise to $700 to $1,300. Having veneers applied to the four frontal teeth will range from $2,000 to $4,500. Delta Dental’s cost estimator shows that overall average pricing for a veneer as being $1,350 to $1,650 per tooth. There may be additional costs for the office visit and X-rays.

Root Canal Therapy

If a broken tooth reveals nerves and vessels at the center of the tooth, there is potential for infection. In these cases, you are likely to experience pain and sensitivity. A root canal will extract dead pulp, thus creating a clean canal that can be sealed. Endodontists are specially trained practitioners that often perform these procedures.

Dental insurance will typically cover at least a percentage of the costs of a root canal. The cost of a root canal treatment also may vary considerably. Some of the reported costs from Cost Helper include:

• Respondents without dental insurance paid between $960 and $1,348 for a front tooth root canal
• Respondents with dental insurance reported out-of-pocket expenses ranging from $243 to $1,200
• Root canals involving mid-mouth teeth ranged from $400 to $1,800

Dental Services in Maricopa County

East Valley Dental Professionals has been serving the Mesa area since the 1980s. We provide expert dental care for those of all ages. Contact our office today at 480-372-5326 to schedule an appointment.