Chipped teeth happen quite frequently among kids. Kids stay active. Some are not so steady on their feet just yet while others are busy playing sports or pushing the limits in adventure. And, for others, it is just that freak accident that happens out of nowhere -- or when biting down on a jawbreaker.
However a cracked tooth makes its way into your kid’s life, you will want to make an appointment with your pediatric dentist as soon as possible to help reduce the chance of infection or further damage.
If you are like most parents, though, this unexpected incident will probably have you questioning just how much it will cost to fix a chipped tooth.
Costs to Fix a Chipped Tooth in Vero Beach
The cost to fix a chipped tooth in Vero Beach is going to vary based on many factors. A chipped tooth can happen for different reasons. The type of chip that results can be one of many. The dentist will then determine the best treatment for the type of chipped tooth, which could be one of several options.
In other words, there are quite a few factors that can contribute to the costs of fixing a chipped tooth. Let’s look at each of these a little closer.
Causes of Chipped Teeth
Enamel is tough. In fact, it is the hardest tissue in your body. So it is not so easy to chip a tooth. But, it happens - sometimes unexpectedly, sometimes due to weak teeth. The most common causes of chipped teeth are below:
- Bruxism, also known as grinding and clenching. For many kids, this happens at night.
- Injury or trauma such as from playing sports or roughhousing with friends.
- Eating hard candy.
- Tooth decay from poor oral hygiene.
There are many other reasons why teeth may chip, but when it comes to kids, these are the ones that have the biggest impact.
Treatments for Chipped Teeth
Depending on the type of chip, your pediatric dentist will review the situation and develop a course of action for treating it. Most commonly, treatment options include:
Bonding. This option is a simple procedure that can fill in teeth that have been chipped. Bonding is painless and can reshape the tooth to give it a natural appearance.
Dental Crown. Crowns may be necessary to cover and seal the cracked tooth, making the tooth stronger.
Root Canal Treatment. If the chipped tooth exposes the sensitive areas of the tooth, a root canal treatment may be necessary.
Veneers. These are perfect coverings for the chipped tooth to return it to a natural appearance. They are similar to bonding but have a much longer life.
These services, depending on what is needed, can range from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars.
The Cost of Not Fixing a Chipped Tooth in Vero Beach
Many people feel that a chipped tooth is just a minor flaw in appearance. Unfortunately, what they fail to realize is that a chip can actually lead to more damage and more costs if it is not assessed by a dentist.
The fracture could get worse and even expose the dentin or pulp of the tooth. This could be very painful for your child. An infection may even occur. The longer it is left with treatment, the worse the tooth can get -- and the more expensive treatment may be in the future. Let
Let Dental Buddies of Vero Beach Assess Your Chipped Tooth
At Dental Buddies, we understand how an unexpected dental expense for a chipped tooth can impact the finances. However, we also understand the urgency of getting it addressed and treated right away to avoid bigger issues and more costly treatment down the road.
If your child has a chipped tooth, call our office at 772-226-6888. Or, request an appointment online. We will examine the tooth and come up with a treatment plan, discussing payment options if necessary.