Chipping a tooth can be a real bummer.
It can happen while eating, playing sports, or even just from grinding your teeth at night.
Suddenly, you’re self-conscious about your smile and wondering what to do next.
If you’re in Boynton Beach, Florida, you’re in luck!
Let’s explore your options for repairing a chipped tooth and what it might cost.
What to Do Immediately After Chipping a Tooth
First things first, don’t panic!
Here’s what you should do right away:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth.
- Find the broken piece of tooth, if possible.
- Store the tooth fragment in milk or saliva to keep it moist.
- Call Dorris Dental at 561-677-9080 to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
We are located at 12658 S Military Trl Suite 104, Boynton Beach, FL 33436, and offer emergency dental services.
Chipped Tooth vs Cracked Tooth: What Is the Difference?
A chipped tooth and a cracked tooth are not the same, and the difference changes how we treat it.
A chipped tooth has lost a piece. You can usually see or feel the rough edge. Most chips affect only the outer enamel.
A cracked tooth has a line running through it, and the tooth is still in one piece. The crack may be hard to see. Common signs include:
- Pain when you bite down or release your bite
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Pain that comes and goes
- Swelling of the gum around one tooth
Cracks matter because they can grow deeper over time. A small crack found early is much easier to fix than one that reaches the root. If you feel any of these signs, have the tooth checked even if you cannot see anything.
Treatment Options for a Chipped Tooth at Dorris Dental
Several options are available to fix a chipped tooth, and the best choice depends on the size and location of the chip.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a popular and relatively inexpensive option.
A tooth-colored resin is applied to the chipped area, shaped, and then hardened with a special light.
Bonding is ideal for small chips and can often be completed in a single visit.
See some of our amazing smile transformations here.
Dental Veneers
For more significant chips or cracks, a dental veneer might be recommended.
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the entire front surface of the tooth.
They provide a natural-looking and durable solution, and can dramatically improve your smile.
Dental Crowns
If a large portion of the tooth is chipped or broken, a dental crown might be necessary.
A crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection.
Crowns are typically made of porcelain or ceramic and are designed to match the color of your natural teeth.
Dental Fillings
For small chips or fractures, especially on back teeth, a dental filling might be the best solution to restore tooth structure and function.
Considering your options? We can help! Call us at 561-677-9080 or book a consultation to get started.
Cracked Tooth Treatment in Boynton Beach
Treatment for a cracked tooth depends on how deep the crack goes:
- Surface lines (craze lines): Very shallow and usually harmless. They often need no treatment, or bonding for looks.
- A crack in the chewing surface: A dental crown holds the tooth together and stops the crack from spreading.
- A crack that reaches the nerve: A root canal treats the inside of the tooth, then a crown protects it.
- A tooth split below the gum line: The tooth may not be saveable. We would remove it and talk with you about replacing it with an implant or bridge.
At Dorri’s Dental in Boynton Beach, we use exams and imaging to see how far a crack goes before recommending treatment.
Think you have a cracked tooth? Call us today.
Comparing Treatment Options
| Treatment | Best For | Durability | Cost (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Bonding | Small chips, front teeth | 3-7 years | $100 – $400 per tooth |
| Dental Veneers | Larger chips, cracks, discoloration | 10-15 years | $800 – $2000 per tooth |
| Dental Crowns | Extensive damage, weakened teeth | 15-25 years | $800 – $1500 per tooth |
| Dental Fillings | Small to medium sized defects | 5-15 years | $50 – $500 per tooth |
*Please note that these are estimated costs and can vary based on the specific case and materials used. We also have available financing options for your dental work.
Same-Day Chipped Tooth Repair Near You
If you chipped or cracked a tooth, you do not have to wait weeks to be seen. Dorri’s Dental offers same-day appointments for dental emergencies in Boynton Beach. Many small chips can be repaired in one visit with bonding. Larger breaks may need a crown, which can take more than one visit, but we can protect the tooth and ease any pain the same day.
Call as soon as it happens. Bring the broken piece if you have it.
Chipped a tooth today? Call now for a same-day visit.
Cost of Repairing a Chipped Tooth in Boynton Beach
The cost of repairing a chipped tooth varies depending on the chosen treatment method, the extent of the damage, and the materials used.
During your consultation at Dorris Dental, we’ll provide a detailed estimate tailored to your specific needs.
Don’t forget to check out our special offers and promotions!
FAQs About Chipped Tooth Repair
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?
While not always a dire emergency, a chipped tooth should be addressed promptly.
If the chip is small and doesn’t cause pain, it’s less urgent.
However, larger chips can expose the inner layers of the tooth, leading to sensitivity, pain, and potential infection.
It’s best to call us to assess the situation.
Can I prevent my tooth from chipping further?
Yes!
Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candies.
If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a custom night guard.
Maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental check-ups at Dorris Dental for exams and x-rays.
Does insurance cover chipped tooth repair?
Most dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of the cost of chipped tooth repair.
The extent of coverage depends on your specific plan.
We can help you understand your insurance benefits and maximize your coverage.
How long does chipped tooth repair last?
The lifespan of a chipped tooth repair varies depending on the treatment used and your oral habits.
Dental bonding typically lasts for 3-7 years, veneers can last for 10-15 years, and crowns can last for 15-25 years with proper care.
Can a cracked tooth be saved?
Often, yes. Most cracked teeth can be saved with a crown, or a root canal and a crown if the crack reaches the nerve. A tooth split below the gum line may need to be removed. Early treatment gives the best chance of saving it.
How do I know if my tooth is cracked?
Common signs are pain when biting or releasing your bite, sensitivity to hot or cold, and pain that comes and goes. Cracks are not always visible, so a dental exam is the best way to know.
Can a chipped tooth be fixed in one visit?
Many small chips can be fixed in one visit with dental bonding. Larger chips that need a crown or veneer usually take more than one visit.
Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?
No. Tooth enamel has no living cells, so a crack cannot grow back together the way a broken bone does. Very shallow surface lines may not need treatment, but a real crack should be checked so it does not get worse.
Does a cracked tooth always hurt?
No. If the crack does not reach the nerve inside the tooth, you may feel nothing. Some cracks only hurt when you chew or release your bite. Even without pain, have the tooth checked by a dentist.
What happens if I leave a chipped or cracked tooth untreated?
A crack can spread deeper over time. Once it reaches the inside of the tooth, bacteria can cause an infection or abscess, and the tooth may need a root canal or have to be removed. Treating it early is simpler and protects the tooth.
Does fixing a chipped tooth hurt?
Most repairs are comfortable. Small chips fixed with bonding often need no numbing at all. For crowns or deeper repairs, we numb the area first. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal and goes away on its own.
Dealing with a chipped tooth can be stressful, but with the right treatment, you can restore your smile and confidence.
Dorris Dental in Boynton Beach, Florida, offers a range of options for repairing a chipped tooth, from dental bonding to veneers and crowns.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover the best solution for your needs.
