Caring for Chipped, Cracked, and Broken Teeth with Dr. Daniel Naysan

What Are Common Ways People Chip or Break a Tooth?

Teeth may become chipped or broken due to:

• Trauma such as an accident or injury
• Wear and tear
• Habitually clenching or grinding teeth or chewing ice

How Should You Treat a Severely Chipped Tooth?

If you suffer a severe chip or crack, avoid chewing in that area or adding pressure to the site as much as you can. If the area is bleeding, rinse with warm water and salt.

See your dentist, or an emergency dentist as soon as possible to prevent tooth loss. They'll assess the tooth for deep cracks that could propagate into the gums, resulting in having to extract the tooth.

Can You Ignore a Small Chip or Crack?

While a small chip or crack may not need immediate attention, Dr. Naysan cautions that it's likely to become more serious over time with normal activities such as chewing or other habits like clenching, grinding, or chewing ice.

Pain Treatment for a Damaged Tooth

Over-the-counter pain relief medications can be used to treat tooth pain, paired, if necessary, with antibiotics to treat an infection.

What Are the Options to Repair a Chipped or Broken Tooth?

For a minor chip, a composite resin can be used to fill in the damaged area of the tooth.

For more severe injury that includes structural damage to the tooth, such as when a cusp or tooth wall is broken, your dentist might recommend a:

• Porcelain inlay
• Porcelain onlay
• Dental crown

Because the enamel on a chipped or broken tooth is typically compromised, damaged teeth are more susceptible to decay and infection, particularly if the decay reaches the tooth nerve.

It's important to address any damage to your teeth you experience with your dentist to determine the right course of action to keep your teeth healthy.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Chipped or Broken Tooth?

The cost of fixing a chipped or broken tooth can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for traditional composite fillings to around $2,000 for a dental crown.

Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Fixing Chipped or Broken Teeth?

Insurance will often cover or partially cover the costs of fixing chipped or broken teeth as a result of accidental trauma or injury.

CareCredit Financing For Chipped and Broken Teeth

Whether you're getting dental implants or you simply need a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.^** Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Anne-Marie Kennedy is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, personal finance, and real estate/investing.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Daniel Naysan practices in Beverly Hills, California at the Bedford Dental Group. With his celebrity clientele, Dr. Naysan is known as "the dentist to the stars". He has 16 years of experience practicing dentistry, and received his undergraduate degree in Gerontology and his DDS from the University of Southern California. He specializes in aesthetic smile design, offering anti-aging services, and is certified in the Invisalign® system.

He is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Los Angeles Dental Society. Dr. Naysan has been featured in several high-profile publications, including People Magazine, US Weekly, and the LA Times, as well as appearing on TV's E! News.