A chipped tooth is when a tooth fragment breaks off. This can be a concerning situation, especially if the chipped tooth is located in the smile zone.
A chipped tooth requires immediate repair to prevent further damage and to address the resulting aesthetic defect that may hinder your ability to smile. Depending on the severity of the fracture, a chipped tooth may also be accompanied by pain, necessitating emergency dental treatment.
Are you worried about the cost of repairing your chipped tooth? Let’s explore the reasons why a tooth may become chipped, the available repair solutions, and their costs in London.
Did you know that 25% of adults in the UK population had cracked or broken teeth or restorations?
What causes a chipped tooth?
A tooth becomes chipped when the hard enamel layer, which is the outer, shiny surface of the tooth, is compromised or subjected to a significant impact force. The causes of tooth chipping include:
- Tooth decay
- Impact forces resulting from accidents or unprotected teeth during contact sports.
- Excessive repetitive loading caused by bruxism .
- Acid reflux can lead to the erosion of the enamel layer, reducing its hardness.
- Bad habits, such as crushing ice and biting pens.
- Using your teeth as a tool, such as to open packages or cut items.
- Existing defective restorations can lead to secondary caries beneath the restoration, undermining the tooth structure and causing chipping.
What should you do if you have a chipped tooth?
A chipped tooth should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If the chipped tooth is accompanied by pain, schedule an emergency dental appointment. In the meantime, here are some tips to follow until your visit:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water or saline solution.
- Gently apply pressure with a gauze pad if there is bleeding.
- If you experience any swelling, apply a cold compress to your cheek in the area corresponding to the chipped tooth.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage your discomfort.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods to prevent further fragmentation of your tooth.
- Dip a small cotton bud in clove oil and apply it to the chipped tooth to help alleviate the pain.
Looking for emergency dental treatment in London? Contact us now!
Chipped tooth repair solutions
Several solutions are available for repairing a chipped tooth. The choice among these options depends on various factors, including the extent of the fracture, the patient’s preferences, and the associated costs.
During your visit, a radiographic examination is essential to assess the degree of fracture and its proximity to the pulp, evaluate the presence of a fractured root, and identify any hidden caries that may have caused the tooth to chip. Based on the findings from the radiographic and clinical examinations, your dentist may recommend one of the following solutions.
- Polishing of the fractured edge
This is the ideal solution when the chipped part is small and located within the enamel layer only without exposing the underlying dentine layer. This type of tooth chipping is not accompanied by pain, so no emergency treatment is required, and no further treatment is needed.
- Composite bonding
Composite bonding is an innovative cosmetic solution in which a composite resin material, matched to the shade of the tooth structure, is directly bonded to the tooth surface to restore any fractured areas. This technique is particularly effective when the fracture extends to the dentin layer, as it covers the exposed dentin and alleviates associated sensitivity.
One of the advantages of composite bonding is that it can be completed in a single visit, saving you time and offering an affordable option for many patients. However, it is important to note that composite bonding is not stain-resistant, which may necessitate touch-up visits. Typically, composite bonding lasts approximately 5 to 7 years before requiring replacement.
- Tooth filling or root canal treatment
When tooth decay is the underlying cause of chipping teeth, the appropriate treatment involves dental fillings. After removing the decay, the filling material is packed into the prepared cavity to restore both the function and aesthetics of the tooth. Various dental filling materials are available, including amalgam and composite resin . The choice of material depends on factors such as the location of the tooth, cavity size, and the patient’s preferences.
If tooth decay extends to the pulp tissues, or the chipped tooth is significant enough to expose the tooth pulp, root canal treatment becomes essential. The root canal procedure involves removing the tooth pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canal, and then filling the pulp space with a thermoplastic material to seal the root canal and prevent bacterial ingress. This is followed by a conventional dental filling for the tooth crown, and crown coverage may be applied if necessary.
- Dental veneers
Dental veneers are shells of restorative material attached to the front teeth surface to cover aesthetic problems, such as chipped teeth, discolouration, or alteration of shape or size defects. Dental veneers can be fabricated from composite or porcelain. Porcelain veneers may be more costly; however, they are more durable and resistant to stain compared to composite veneers.
- Dental crown
Dental crowns are an ideal solution for severely damaged teeth, designed to reinforce them and prevent further fractures. Unlike dental veneers, which cover only a single surface, dental crowns provide complete coverage by encircling the entire tooth. They can be fabricated from various materials to accommodate different budgets.
Confused about the most suitable solution for your chipped tooth? Consult our dental experts to help you find the ideal solution for you.
Cost of a chipped tooth repair in London
The cost of repairing a chipped tooth in London varies based on the type of treatment, the materials used, and whether additional procedures are required, such as a combination of root canal treatment and a crown. Below are the average costs for various solutions to repair a chipped tooth.
|
Treatment |
Cost |
|
Composite bonding |
from £300.00 |
|
Dental filling |
from £120.00 |
|
Root canal treatment |
from £300.00 |
|
Porcelain veneers |
from £595.00 |
|
Dental crown |
from £450.00 |
At Camden High Street Dental Practice, we provide a range of treatment options for chipped teeth at affordable prices, along with flexible payment plans. As a leading dental practice in London, we possess extensive expertise in treating broken teeth using advanced technologies, ensuring the most effective treatment plans are executed flawlessly. Book your consultation by calling us on 02073886108 or book online 24/7 here .
