How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Chipped Tooth?

Chipped Tooth Repair Cost

Chipped, fractured, and broken teeth are very common. The cost to fix these issues depends on:

1. The severity of the break
2. Whether it's a front tooth or molar
3. What type of dental procedure is needed to repair it
4. The location of the dental clinic
5. The dentist's fees
6. Your insurance coverage

Here’s what you should expect to pay to repair a chipped tooth (without insurance):

How Much is Covered by Insurance?

Dental insurance may cover some or all of the procedure costs. The most significant factor is whether your insurance plan considers the procedure necessary or cosmetic.

Veneers and implants are often deemed cosmetic or elective procedures. On the other hand, most other chipped tooth treatments are considered medically necessary.

Most insurances won't cover a chipped tooth repair if they deem it cosmetic. Contact your insurance provider if you have any questions about your coverage.

Chipped Tooth Treatment Options

Depending on the type and severity of the chipped tooth, your dentist will recommend one of the following treatment options:

Fillings

Fillings can treat minor chipping by closing the hole and restoring tooth functionality. They are made of white composite resin or silver amalgam.

Fillings are typically used for small chips in molars or less visible areas. They can cost between $150 to $1,000 per tooth without insurance.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding may be recommended if the chip is on a front tooth or a highly visible area. The tooth-colored bonding material (composite resin) is applied to the tooth and hardened using an LED light. It can cost between $100 to $550 per tooth without insurance.

Dental Crown

A dental crown will be applied if the fracture is large or affects multiple cusps on the tooth. It's a custom-fitted cap that covers the remaining natural tooth to protect and restore normal function.

It can be made of porcelain-fused-to-metal, metal or gold alloys, stainless steel, ceramic, or all-resin. Without insurance, this procedure can cost between $500 to $1,500 per tooth.

Root Canal Treatment

If the crack exposes the dentin or pulp of your tooth, it could become permanently damaged. In this case, a root canal will be needed to remove the dead pulp and replace it with a gutta-percha filling.

Crowns are often placed on top of teeth after root canal procedures. Root canal therapy without insurance can cost between $500 and $1,500 per tooth.

Dental Onlay

An onlay may be used when a cavity or chip is too big for a normal filling. They are custom-made in a lab to fit your tooth. Without insurance, this procedure can cost between $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth.

Dental Veneers

A dental veneer may be recommended if the chip is small and only causes cosmetic problems. They are commonly used in cosmetic dentistry to fix the appearance of teeth.

Veneers are custom porcelain or zirconia shells that change your tooth's shape, size, and color. This procedure can cost between $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth if you don't have insurance.

Dental Implants

If your tooth is extracted, you must see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or periodontist for a dental implant. An implant is an artificial tooth root inserted and bonded to your jawbone.

It serves as the base for other dental procedures such as:

• Dental crowns
• Dental bridges
• Dentures

This procedure, without insurance, can cost between $3,500 to $6,700 per tooth.

What to Do if You Chip a Tooth

Call your dentist immediately and schedule an office visit if you chip a tooth. Once you set up an appointment, there are a few things you can do to help relieve pain and prevent it from worsening:

• Take pain medication: These include acetaminophen or your preferred over-the-counter pain reliever
• Rinse with salt water: This will reduce inflammation and kill bacteria around the wound
• Cover any sharp edges in paraffin wax or sugarless chewing gum: This can prevent cuts on your tongue, lip, and cheek
• Only eat soft foods: You should also avoid biting down on the tooth; if you can schedule an emergency dental visit, avoid eating altogether until your appointment  

Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?

Although it's not a dental emergency, it can be, depending on the severity of the broken tooth. A chip is considered a dental emergency if the tooth is:

• Causing pain
• Fully fractured (extending beyond the tooth enamel)
• Completely knocked out

What Happens if I Don’t Fix a Chipped Tooth?

Neglecting a chipped tooth can lead to more damage and dental care costs. If the chip exposes the dentin or pulp of the tooth, an infection can occur.

You'll need a root canal or tooth extraction if your tooth becomes infected. If the fracture worsens and extends into the roots, you must remove the tooth and get an implant. 

These procedures are much more complicated and costly than fillings, bonding, and onlays. It’s best to seek treatment right away to minimize damage.

More Reading

• What Causes Chipped Teeth?
• Types of Tooth Cracks

Summary

Repairing a chipped or broken tooth can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars without insurance. If you have dental insurance, it can cover some, if not all, of the cost.

However, your insurance will only cover medically necessary procedures. Your insurance won't cover cosmetic or elective procedures like veneers or implants.

There are different types of chipped teeth, and each requires certain procedures. Although it's not a dental emergency, it can be one, especially if the damage exposes the dentin.