Cosmetic Dentistry – Dental Implants FAQs
Is my chipped tooth an emergency?
Not all chipped teeth require emergency dental appointments. In fact, very few do. The best way to determine if your chipped tooth is an emergency is to look at the remaining tooth structure for color variations. If the tooth is white, or white and dark brown or yellow, it is not an emergency. If the tooth is visibly cracked from top to bottom, call your dentist immediately and set up an emergency dental appointment. For more information on diagnosing the severity of damage, read our blog on the topic.
When should I call my dentist?
If you have determined that your chipped tooth is an emergency, call your dentist immediately and set up an appointment. Most dentists can accommodate you after hours to address dental emergencies. For all other chips, call your dentist during regular business hours. The dental staff will help assess the severity of the chip and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Some dentists may also request that you text them a picture of the tooth to help diagnose the problem and schedule your appointment based on severity.
How does a dentist fix a chipped tooth?
Fixing a chipped tooth depends on the severity of the damage. If only the enamel is damaged, your dentist will likely replace the missing piece with dental bonding. If the tooth is located in the back of your mouth, another option is to simply smooth the tooth structure to remove any sharp edges. If the dentin has been fractured, a veneer or crown may be required to treat the chip. And in the most severe cases (i.e. your tooth is cracked in half), the tooth must be removed and an implant placed.
How much does it cost to fix a chipped tooth?
Again, this depends on the severity of the damage. As a general guideline, repairing a chipped tooth can cost anywhere from $275 for dental bonding to upwards of $XX for an implant. Your dentist should provide you with an estimate before the work is completed.
Have additional questions about your chipped tooth? Call our office and our staff will assist you in diagnosing the problem and making an appointment.
Have a Question?
If you have a question for Dr. Saylor, then we invite you to take a look at answers to other common dental questions we receive from patients, or contact our office and we’ll be happy to assist you.