How to Fix a Chipped Tooth: Options & Costs

Your smile is often the first thing others notice about you. So, chipping a tooth may make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable with your smile. 

But a broken tooth is also a cause for concern. So what do you do, and how do you fix a chipped tooth? The first step is to see your dentist to confirm whether the chip is severe and requires major dental work or if you need more cosmetic dental services. 

Your options and costs may vary depending on several factors. Here’s everything you need to know. 

What Is a Chipped Tooth?

A chipped tooth occurs when a piece of enamel or outer layer breaks off, causing an uneven surface or edge. A chipped tooth is different from a cracked or fractured one where the break runs from the surface to the root. 

Some chips are worse or more severe than others, and not every chip needs treatment. A small dent may only cause a rough or jagged surface or an unflattering appearance. 

A large chip may be big enough to expose the tooth nerve and cause pain or sensitivity. Severe damage that reveals the deeper layers will need repair to save the tooth and keep it healthy. 

Causes of a Chipped Tooth

Chipped or broken teeth are common and can happen for several reasons, including injury, grinding, food choices, and weak enamel. 

Injury

A tooth injury, such as a hit to the face or mouth while playing sports or from falls or accidents, can cause a piece of the outer layer to break off. Using your teeth as makeshift tools to open packages or bottle lids and tabs may also lead to breaks and chips. 

Teeth Grinding

A history of tooth grinding, known as bruxism, is another common cause of chipping. Grinding your teeth stresses the enamel, leading to damaged and weak teeth. You may be more prone to chipping, fractures, loose teeth, sensitivity, and pain.

Hard Foods 

Biting into hard candies or crunchy food may put too much pressure on your teeth and lead to chips. These may include foods like:

• Popcorn
• Apples
• Raw carrots
• Corn on the cob
• Crispy bread or crackers
• Lollipops or cough drops

Worn or Weak Enamel

Poor dental hygiene and a diet high in sugar and acidic drinks and foods may also lead to enamel chipping. These foods wear down enamel over time, leading to tooth decay and making it more likely to chip. 

A medical condition called GERD or acid reflux causes acid from your stomach to flow backwards into your esophagus and mouth. Untreated or ongoing reflux will break down enamel and increase your risk of damage and chipping.  

How to Fix a Chipped Tooth

You don’t always need to repair a chipped tooth, but it’s important to check with your dentist to confirm. Sometimes the chip is minor and comes down to your preference for your smile. 

Other times, you may be at risk of further damage or infection. So, how do they repair chipped tooth? A cosmetic dentist may use a few key treatments for a subtle fix or a complete smile makeover.

Contouring

A contouring procedure involves shaving and polishing the chipped area to smooth out the surface. This chip tooth fix is usually most helpful for minor indents and can help remove sharp or jagged edges without pain. 

Dental Bonding

Also known as composite bonding, this procedure can repair chipped tooth by filling in the missing enamel. Your dentist preps the tooth, applies a liquid, and places a composite resin over the top. 

The resin is molded to fit your tooth with a natural appearance and sealed with UV light. The light hardens the resin and bonds it to your tooth, restoring the surfacing and repairing chipped enamel. This procedure is essentially like any other tooth filling except it may not require cleaning out decay or other more involved steps.

Veneers

Veneers are natural-looking coverings that fit over the front surface of your teeth to improve or enhance your smile. These are permanent and long-lasting and are an option if the chip is too large to repair with bonding or contouring. 

Dental Crown

Another option for severely chipped enamel is a dental crown. If the damage goes deep into the tooth, you may need an artificial cap to restore the tooth's structure and shape. The cap or crown will protect the tooth and prevent further damage.  

Extraction and Implant

In some cases, severe chipping and damage may lead to tooth removal. This may be necessary if the tooth is too diseased or decayed to repair. 

Your dentist will place an artificial tooth implant in its place. This restores your smile and ability to chew and speak. 

Is It Safe to Try Fixing a Chipped Tooth Yourself?

No. You can’t fix chipped tooth at home. You’ll need to see a dentist to investigate the damage's severity and fix the broken tooth. However, you can do a few things to make yourself comfortable or prevent further damage in the meantime. 

Save the Chipped Piece 

Your dentist may be able to reattach a tooth fragment. If you can, save it and place it in a glass of milk. The moisture and calcium will help preserve it.

You can also place it in your gum, but be sure not to swallow it. Then, go to the dentist immediately. They may be able to glue or cement back in place. 

Use Dental Wax

A sharp or jagged edge of a chipped tooth may irritate your gums or tongue. Try placing dental wax over the edge to protect your mouth. A piece of sugar-free gum may also work. 

Take Pain Relievers

Moderate tooth chips may cause tooth sensitivity and pain. Chances are you’ll also have some pain and swelling in your gums, lips, or face if you’ve been hit in the face or mouth. 

Try over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen to help lower inflammation and ease pain. Sensitive toothpaste may also help dull or soothe irritation from hot or cold foods.

Maintain Dental Hygiene

Keep up your regular brushing and flossing. A chipped tooth is damaged, which may increase your risk of infection and other problems. Maintain good oral care to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.  

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Chipped Tooth?

The cost to repair chipped teeth depends on the extent of damage. For instance, a minor chip that can undergo contouring may cost anywhere from $142 to $435 per tooth. 

A more severe chip with deeper damage or significant decay may need extraction and implants. In this case, you may pay anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 per implant. 

Most insurance companies offer dental coverage, but benefits may vary with the plan. Insurance may cover the majority of costs. 

But what if you don’t have a plan? Exactly how much to fix a chipped tooth without insurance? 

The costs will be the same, though you’ll have to pay more out of pocket. Dentists may offer financing or subscription plans for convenient and stress-free payments.  

What to Expect During Chipped Front Tooth Repair

Treatment starts with an initial assessment, which may include X-rays or other imaging. Your dentist then decides on the best treatment.

Exactly how long does it take to fix a chipped tooth? It depends on the extent of the damage and the overall health of your tooth. In some cases, your dentist may be able to restore your tooth in one appointment. 

Discover Bespoke Cosmetic Dental Care        

Our team at Allure Dental offers advanced cosmetic dental services with cutting-edge technologies and a luxurious experience. Book an appointment to learn about the first steps in transforming your smile.