Chipped Tooth Repair - What Methods Can Be Used To Fix It?
There are a number of chipped tooth repair options that dentists can offer a patient. These options can be a very simple procedure that takes only an hour of the patient's time or it can take several visits to the dentist and numerous steps to restore the damaged tooth. Whatever suggestion a dentist offers, broken teeth are definitely easier to fix now than before, thanks mainly to the emergence of dental technologies and modern techniques. If you experience tooth chipping or one of your teeth is broken and is in need of replacement or repair, here are some options you can explore. 1) Dental fillings. The most common types of fillings are amalgams and tooth colored fillings. Dental fillings are placed directly on the damaged tooth and can be done within an hour. Amalgams are relatively cheaper than tooth colored fillings, with an average cost range of $75 to $150. Tooth colored fillings, on the other hand, can cost between $150 and $200. Aside from these two, there are also other types of fillings, such as gold fillings, glass ionomers and porcelain. Gold fillings are the most expensive, being stronger than other types. Porcelain or ceramic can cost as much as gold fillings, depending on the level of damage of the tooth being repaired. 2) Crowns. These materials are often used to fix broken upper teeth but with roots remaining intact. Dental crowns are used to cover or cap a tooth to fix the damage and protect it from further breakage. Crowns are examples of the indirect method of dental restoration which is considered superior than direct (use of fillings) methods. They are made of different materials and can cost between $800 and $3,000 depending on the material of the crown that will be used. 3) Veneers. These dental materials can be made from either composite or porcelain materials. They are placed over the damaged tooth to protect it. They can also be used esthetically or to improve the appearance of teeth. They are bonded to the tooth using a dental adhesive or cement and can last for more than 10 years with proper care. Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite ones. The former can cost between $1,000 and $2,500 per tooth, while the latter range in price from $250 to $1,500. 4) Extraction and root canal. Sometimes, damage to a chipped tooth is more severe than it initially appears. If the nerve is damaged, a dentist may perform root canal to remove the blood vessels and damaged nerves. In some cases, the tooth might be extracted and replaced with implants or dentures. Chipped tooth repair can be as simple as using fillings or veneers, or they can be severe enough to require extraction and root canal treatment. To make sure that you will get the right attention, visit your dentist and have your teeth assessed. |
