Dental Insurance Plus – What will a dentist do to fix a chipped tooth?
Question: I just chipped one of my front top teeth. I am not even sure how it happens. I was eating regular food when my tooth just chipped. It is not a large chip, but I chipped it. How will a dentist fix my tooth? Will it be costly? I do not have dental insurance, so I am not sure what I should do first.
Reply: When you have a chipped tooth, a dentist will first examine the extent of the damage to determine the best course of treatment. If the chip is small, the dentist may smooth and polish the rough edges of the tooth. For more significant chips, the dentist may use a filling material to build up the tooth or a crown to cover the damaged area completely. In cases where the chip has exposed the tooth’s pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove the damaged tissue and prevent infection.
The cost of fixing a chipped tooth can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the treatment needed. Without dental insurance, the cost can be significant. For example, a filling can range from $100 to $500, while a crown can cost between $500 and $3,000. Root canals are also costly, typically costing between $1,000 and $1,500. It’s important to note that delaying treatment for a chipped tooth can lead to further damage and more expensive procedures in the long run. If you don’t have dental insurance, you can look into dental discount plans or financing options offered by many dental offices to make the cost more manageable.
