A chipped tooth may not be the highest item on one’s priority list when the hustle-and-bustle of life is front-and-center. If pain, discomfort, or discoloration aren’t present, it’s easy to misjudge the seriousness of a chipped tooth. Supreme Dentistry has the tools and know-how to help even in the most inconvenient circumstances when searching for
emergency dentistry in Texas.
Methods of Chipped Tooth Repair
It may not be considered an emergency in the face of more dramatic damage, but a chipped tooth is certainly something to fix as soon as possible. When there is damage to the surface of a tooth, there is an entrance or weak point where bacteria can enter the tooth, causing infection, pain, and further decay of the tooth.
When considering how to fix a chipped tooth, one may come across many at-home remedies on the internet, but a chipped tooth can open more doors to even greater damage without professional care. There are several different methods of chipped tooth repair that a dentist can provide:
- Bonding
- Veneers
- Caps and Crowns
Bonding, a type of surface filling made of resin and hardened with UV lights, is a simple and quick procedure that is molded to the tooth’s shape in the case of a small or non-complex break in the enamel of a tooth.
Dental veneers, often used as whitening methods for teeth, are also options for chipped teeth. Veneers are customized resin caps that are cemented onto the existing tooth. This is a permanent and visually appealing option.
Caps, otherwise known as crowns, are great options for those with teeth that have more significant breakage or cracks. A dentist will remove a portion of the remaining surface of the tooth and apply a tooth-colored cap over it. This covers the natural tooth, protecting the tooth.
If the tooth’s root is sufficiently damaged, root canal therapy may be required before a cap or veneer is applied to the tooth. A full discussion and check-up with a dentist are necessary to gauge the extent of the damage before treatment is applied.
If a Chipped or Broken Tooth is Left Untreated
An untreated broken or cracked tooth can cause more damage than simply a toothache or a less-than-satisfying smile. Much like an untreated cavity, a break in the surface of a tooth is the perfect opportunity for bacteria to get into the center of the tooth and cause severe damage to the surface via decay and into the tooth of the tooth and the other soft tissues of the mouth.
The mouth is the perfect place for bacteria to grow and inside a tooth is even better. The root of the tooth is soft compared to the enamel and therefore susceptible to infection. If infection or damage of the root occurs because a chipped or cracked tooth was left unattended by a dentist, root canal therapy is one way a dentist may choose to treat the issue.
The Cost of Fixing a Chipped Tooth
The cost of different methods of fixing a cracked or broken tooth varies, depending on the complexity and extent of the treatment. Out of pocket, a filling is the least expensive option, ranging anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on the extent of treatment and the dentist seen. Caps and crowns can also have a significant range, as low as $250 and around $2,000. Compared to the rest, veneers are the most expensive option, costing anywhere $900 to $2,500 per tooth due to the customizable nature of veneers. When added as a treatment, Rooth canals have a side cost of up to around $1,000.
When considering how to fix a chipped tooth, always attempt to get the input of a professional dentist, like those found at Supreme Dentistry. While a chipped or cracked tooth may not seem like a big deal, it can lead to more serious situations that call for more serious treatments with a bigger price tag. Call
844.966.2333 for more information on fixing a chipped tooth and healing a great smile.
