How to Fix a Chipped or Broken Tooth: Options and Costs

Even healthy teeth can become chipped or damaged. Tooth enamel and dentin (the structure underneath the thin layer of enamel) is strong but most likely can't withstand intense impact, including biting down on something hard. A chipped tooth often involves primarily the tooth enamel while a broken or cracked tooth affects the dentin.

A broken or chipped tooth can impact the aesthetics of your smile, your ability to effectively chew food and can potentially set the stage for infection.

Luckily, your dentist has solutions and should be contacted immediately if you or your child breaks or chips a tooth. Read on to learn about steps to take if you damage a tooth and the treatment options available.

What to Do if You Break or Chip a Tooth

Teeth can break without warning. When a sudden impact or accident is the cause, you may need immediate care to assess hidden damage, such as a hairline jaw fracture. This may require being seen by an oral surgeon if the trauma is significant.

If your broken tooth is accompanied by profuse bleeding, swelling or intense pain, go to an emergency dentist or urgent care center immediately. If you have pieces of the broken tooth, wrap them in damp, sterile gauze and bring them with you. If your tooth is chipped or broken but you have no additional symptoms, call your dentist for an appointment. A fast repair can reduce the potential for further damage, plus restore your beautiful smile. You should also follow these self-care steps after chipping or breaking a tooth:

• Gently rinse your mouth with warm (not hot) salt water to clean the area. Saltwater is beneficial for oral wound care and kills many strains of bacteria which can cause infection.
• Apply pressure to the area to stop bleeding. If bleeding continues, place a small piece of sterile gauze in your mouth to absorb the blood.
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to alleviate discomfort or pain.
• Don't chew gum or eat food on the side of your mouth with the broken tooth.
• Eat soft foods that don't require vigorous chewing.
• Avoid hot or cold beverages that can cause a jolt of pain.
• Cover jagged edges in the remaining tooth. Small tooth chips can be covered temporarily with dental wax. Temporary broken tooth repair kits usually contain dental wax and can be found in drugstores.
• If your child has a broken or chipped tooth, don't cover it with anything they can swallow or choke on.

What to Do if You Lose a Tooth

If your tooth gets knocked out completely, you may be able to reattach it if you act quickly and follow these steps:

1. If you're bleeding profusely, are in pain or feel sick, have someone else search for the tooth. You may become dizzy or ill if you bend down. Seek immediate medical attention at this point — concussions or excess bleeding can be a serious medical complication.
2. The tooth should be picked up by its chewing surface, called the crown, not by its root.
3. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it in water. Don't use soap or any other cleanser.
4. Attempt to place the tooth back in its socket. Gently push it in by the crown.
5. Hold the tooth in place for a few moments with your fingers, or by gently biting down.
6. Keep the tooth moist while you seek emergency care.
7. If the tooth won't stay in the socket, place it in a glass of milk. Milk helps the tooth remain viable. You can also house the tooth in your mouth to keep it moist, or in an emergency tooth preservation kit. Care should be taken here since swallowing the tooth is a real possibility.
8. Try to see an emergency dentist or endodontist within 30 minutes. Sooner is better, but you may be able to save the tooth if you are treated within one hour.

Once you've made it to a dentist, the recommended solution will be determined based on the extent of the damage.

5 Options to Fix Chipped or Broken Teeth

Of course, teeth don't grow back on their own. Any chip or break will require repair.

Your dentist will x-ray the area and assess the extent of the breakage. In some instances, you may have a cracked tooth that extends down near the tooth's root. The extent of the break will determine your treatment.

There are several treatment options including:

1. Tooth filling

If the chip is minor and not in a front tooth, your dentist may clean and fill it in, as if it were a cavity. Fillings last several decades or longer. Their cost varies, based on the material used and your geographic area.

In general, you can expect to pay around $150 for a filling. However, x-rays and any additional diagnostic services may be needed and will incur additional costs.

2. Cosmetic contouring

If the chip is small and in a front tooth, another alternative may be to smooth down the jagged edge, eliminating unevenness caused by the crack. Small fissures may also be filled in with bonding material. Your tooth will be shaped and polished afterward so it looks natural.

Your dentist will abrade the surface of your tooth and apply a conditioning liquid. A durable plastic resin that matches the color of your tooth will be bonded to its surface. Small cracks or holes in the tooth will also be filled in with resin. The tooth will then be trimmed, shaped and polished.

You may pay anywhere from $142 to $435 for cosmetic contouring.¹

3. Veneers

Larger cracks or chips might require coverage with a porcelain veneer. Veneers are custom-designed thin covers that are bonded to the impacted teeth. Veneers are sturdy, color stable and look natural. They're not permanent, but may last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Veneers can require several trips to the dentist although more and more dental offices provide same day dentistry with excellent results. Cost varies based on the material used and the complexity of the case.

You may pay on average $1,765 for one veneer.¹

4. Root canal and dental crown

Any crack that goes deeper than the surface enamel may require more extensive care. If the crack extends into the pulp, the tooth's center containing blood vessels, connective tissue and cells, you may need a root canal first to eliminate the possibility of future infection. Untreated damage to the pulp could result in tooth loss. Don't let dental anxiety stop you; some offices offer different forms of sedation to make your dental experience much more comfortable. This procedure can save your tooth and help restore its appearance.

After the root canal is completed, you will be fitted for a dental crown. The crown sits on top of the damaged tooth, completely covering it. Based on the materials used, a dental crown may cost anywhere from $488 to $3,254.¹ Dental insurance typically covers root canal costs, but may not cover the cost of the crown. The insurance coordinator at your dental office can help, along with alternative financing sources like the CareCredit credit card.

5. Extraction and dental implant

Very deep cracks or breaks may damage a tooth so severely that it can't be saved. In this instance, the remaining tooth and its root will be extracted (removed). To fill in the gap, your dentist may recommend a permanent dental implant.

Dental implants replace the natural tooth's roots using titanium posts. An artificial tooth that resembles your other teeth will be screwed onto the post. Dental implants are extensive procedures. Once completed, they look completely natural and should last a lifetime with proper care.

Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, although the initial extraction may be covered by your plan. Each implant may cost on average $2,695.¹

Financing Chipped or Broken Teeth With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you're getting dental implants or you're simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.^* 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 wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Expert Reviewer

Dr. Jorge Oaxaca, D.D.S.

Dr. Jorge Oaxaca is a partner and owner of Oaxaca, Ong & Jensen Seal Beach DDS, located in Seal Beach, California. He has a holistic approach to dentistry and a passion for technology which has led him to practice progressive, cutting-edge computerized dentistry in his office to better serve his patients.

Author Bio

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer with 15 years of experience focusing on medical issues and health and wellness content. Her work has been featured in outlets such as Newsweek and Time Inc.