Chipped tooth – always let a dentist see a chipped tooth
Chipped tooth in a nutshell
- Always take care of a chipped tooth at the dentist.
- A small and painless tooth crack does not require urgent treatment.
- If the chipped tooth is painful, large or accidentally chipped, see a dentist quickly.
Related services
Dental check-up
Assessment of oral and dental health and recommendations for further treatment.
Dental fear
Non-urgent consultation with a dentist specialized in treating patients with dental anxiety.
Ceramic fillings
Modern and aesthetic ways to repair damaged teeth.
Dental fillings
Filling a tooth involves removing decayed tooth tissue and replacing it with a filling material.
My tooth chipped – what should I do?
A chipped tooth means that a piece of a tooth or a filling has come loose. A filling may also come off completely and the tooth may split in half.
Chipping a tooth can feel scary and confusing. Sometimes, the quick help of a dentist is needed, but a chipped tooth does not always require immediate treatment. However, a dentist should always see even a small crack in a tooth.
See a dentist as soon as possible if:
- You accidentally chipped your front tooth
- A tooth that has had a root canal treatment is chipped
- A tooth was completely chipped up to the gum line
- A large chunk of the tooth is chipped and the tooth hurts
It is sufficient to book an appointment for a few days from now if:
- A small piece of a tooth is chipped, no pain
- An old filling is chipped or completely loose, and the tooth is not sensitive
Chipped tooth – symptoms vary
When a tooth is chipped, you may not feel pain. However, the sharp edge of a chipped tooth can cause unpleasant irritation to your tongue or the lining of your mouth.
If your tooth chips deeper than the surface, it may hurt and ache. The tooth may also be sensitive to cold or heat and make it difficult to eat.
Chipped tooth – treatment by a dentist
Make an appointment with your dentist whenever a piece of your tooth comes loose or cracks completely.
Sometimes, treating a chipped tooth means just a matter of grinding and filing the tooth. Other times, a more extensive procedure is needed:
- Tooth monitoring is sufficient if only a small piece of your tooth has broken off and it doesn't cause pain or rub against your tongue. The dentist will record the chipped tooth in your medical records.
- Tooth filing is appropriate if the sharp edge of the chipped tooth is irritating the mucous membranes in your mouth.
- Filling a tooth is an easy and quick procedure if your tooth is chipped deeper than the surface, or next to an old filling, or if the filling has come loose. The old filling can be replaced with a more durable porcelain filling or a dental crown.
- Root canal treatment will heal your chipped tooth when its core is inflamed.
- Tooth extraction is the only option when your damaged tooth cannot be repaired. In place of the removed tooth, you will get a dental implant that is suitable for you and that fits perfectly into your dental structure.
There is no need to be nervous about any procedure, as you will receive an effective anesthetic and we will ask you how you are feeling during treatment.
Why does a tooth chip?
When your tooth cracks or a piece of the tooth falls out, it can be caused by:
- Accident. An intact tooth will usually only chip as a result of an accident, such as if you get hit hard while doing sports. In that case, the front teeth are particularly vulnerable.
- Dental cavities. Your tooth can become chipped due to decay. A cavity that starts between the teeth can do its damage unnoticed, softening the tooth's interior so that, eventually, a piece of the tooth cracks or the tooth splits in two.
- An old filling. Tooth fillings are not forever - sooner or later, every tooth that is patched will chip, or the filling will come loose. Usually, a plastic filling lasts for 10 years or so. Porcelain fillings and crowns last the longest.
- Root canal treatment. If your tooth has been root canaled, it is more prone to chipping. A tooth that has been brittle from root canal treatment is also more likely to decay. The tooth can be crowned to improve durability.
- Tooth grinding or bruxism. Strong grinding can damage your tooth and eventually split it.
Specialist in the article
Revised 12/28/2022
As of March 15, 2023, the polyclinic fee does not have to be paid after more than five reception visits during the calendar year. After the fifth payment, the polyclinic fee is €0 for visits for the rest of the calendar year.
If you visit our clinic and do not pay for your appointment using the available payment methods, we will send you an invoice for your appointment. The invoicing fee is EUR 5.20.
If the procedure is booked with a specialist dentist, the prices are increased by 30%.
Check out Hammas Mehiläinen's flexible payment methods
| Service | Price estimate |
|---|---|
| Dental check-up | 54,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 84,00 € |
| Dental check-up for patients with dental fear | 91,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 121,00 € |
| Children and young people dental check-up Prices include the clinic fee (€33.90). Book a dental check-up for children and young people Prices 207,75–239,75 €, without Kela reimbursement 227,90–259,90 € | 207,75 € Without Kela reimbursement 227,90 € |
| Dental X-ray of the teeth and jaws | Mobile Benefit 98,00 € The price with a doctor's referral after Kela compensation is €86. 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 118,00 € |
| Tartar removal 30–45 minute appointment with a dental hygienist. Book an appointment for tartar removal Explore different payment methods Prices 130,00–183,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 138,00–195,00 € | from 130,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 138,00 € |
| Tooth jewellery application The price does not include the price of tooth jewellery. | from 68,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Dental fillings 1–3 surfaces. Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
| Ceramic filling of the tooth 1–3 surfaces. Explore different payment methods Prices 279,00–561,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 279,00–618,00 € | from 279,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 279,00 € |
| Dental ceramic crown Laboratory costs are not included in the price estimate. Explore different payment methods Prices 616,00–798,00 € | from 616,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Chipped tooth Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
| Tooth extraction Explore different payment methods Prices 109,00–732,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 119,00–794,00 € | from 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 119,00 € |
| Tooth whitening Price estimate given at the free consultation appointment. Book an appointment for a free whitening consultation Prices 101,00–455,00 € | from 101,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Whitening consultation appointment Includes an individual price estimate for teeth whitening. Book an appointment for a whitening consultation. | Free No Kela reimbursement |
| Anaesthesia Prices 38,00–39,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 41,00–42,00 € | from 38,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 41,00 € |
| Irrevocable absence Prices 74,00–96,00 € | 74,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
| Initial assessment of sleep apnea Learn more about sleep apnea and book an appointment (in Finnish) | from 57,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 84,00 € |
| Bite guard Includes clinical work and the bite guard. Prices 638,00–685,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 695,00–742,00 € | 638,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 695,00 € |
Related symptoms
Toothache
Can be caused by a cavity or an inflamed tooth, as well as a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
Bruxism or teeth grinding
Tooth damage, sore bite muscles or headaches.
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
Pain and dysfunction of the jaw joints and masticatory muscles.
Dental cavity
Can feel like an enmity or a toothache - or you don't feel anything special.
Sensitivity
Pricking and sudden pain, often caused by cold, hot or touching the tooth.
Other related services
A dental implant replaces
Specialist dentist consultation and planning of further treatment.
Ceramic CEREC filling
More durable than conventional filling materials and a more aesthetic result.
Ceramic fillings
Modern and aesthetic ways to repair damaged teeth.
Clear aligner treatment with Invisalign aligners
Dentist consultation visit and selection of the Invisalign treatment method.
Cosmetic dental care
Can be used to alter the appearance of teeth and fix functional issues.
Dental X-ray
An important part of oral health care and an effective way to reveal oral diseases that the eye cannot detect.
Dental check-up
Assessment of oral and dental health and recommendations for further treatment.
Dental check-up for children and young people
Specialist dental check-up visit for children and adolescents.
Dental cone beam imaging
Provides highly accurate three-dimensional information on dental and jaw structures.
Dental fear
Non-urgent consultation with a dentist specialized in treating patients with dental anxiety.
Dental fillings
Filling a tooth involves removing decayed tooth tissue and replacing it with a filling material.
Dental hygienist
Provides individual advice for tending to your oral health.
Dental laminates or veneers
Can be used to correct colour defects, straighten individual teeth on the dental arch without orthodontic treatment.
Dental specialists
Are dentists who are specialised in one of the disciplines of dentistry. Specialist dentist consultation.
Dental staining removal
Dental staining removal by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Dental treatment under general anaesthesia
The most common reason for performing dental treatment under general anaesthesia is dental fear.
Dentist
Performs oral health examinations and treats oral diseases and other problems.
Dentures or false teeth
Assessment and planning of further treatment by a specialist in prosthodontics.
Emergency dental care
Emergency visit for sudden toothache, accident or other acute symptoms.
Laser teeth whitening
A gel is applied to the surface of the teeth and the effect is enhanced by light.
Massage of masticatory muscles
The massage of masticatory muscles alleviates pain in the head and jaw area.
Occlusal splints or mouth guards
Help the teeth muscles relax and protect teeth and dental structures.
Oral surgery
The examination and surgical treatment of the masticatory system and related tissues, diseases, and injuries.
Orthodontic treatment
Specialist dentist consultation to assess the need for orthodontic treatment.
Root canal treatment
The dentist treats an infected pulp of a tooth.
Tartar removal
Removal of tartar performed by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Teeth whitening
The safest and best teeth whitening is performed by a dental hygienist or dentist.
Tooth extraction
Sometimes, a tooth is in such bad condition that it cannot be saved.
Tooth jewellery application
A dental hygienist applies tooth jewellery safely and durably.
White Spot treatment
Fading or removal of tooth discolorations.
Whitening consultation (free)
The purpose of the consultation is to identify a possible need for treatment.
Wisdom tooth extraction
Wisdom teeth usually cause problems because there is not enough space for them to erupt.
Frequently asked questions about chipped teeth
Visit a dentist if you have a chipped tooth.
If you have a small piece of tooth come loose and there is no pain associated with the chipped tooth, it's enough to see your dentist within a few days.
If the chip is deep, painful or accidental, see a dentist immediately. A root-canaled tooth also needs prompt treatment.
If you can't get to the dentist for a few days and the sharp edge of the chipped tooth is chafing badly, you can put temporary protection on it with an over-the-counter filling material.
You can treat the pain with painkillers.
A filling is not always necessary. If the chipped tooth is small and painless, you may not need to do anything.
If the crack extends deeper than the tooth surface, it will need to be repaired - under anaesthetic, of course.
Even a deep cavity can often be repaired, but tooth extraction is sometimes the only option.
Fortunately, it's usually a simple procedure, and you can get a dental implant that blends in perfectly with your dental structure to replace the removed tooth.However, quality implant treatment requires an assessment of your overall oral situation.
The cost of repairing a chipped tooth depends on your situation. If your chipped tooth requires grinding, filling or major procedures, we'll plan the treatment with you. We will always give you an estimate of the cost of the treatment in advance, so you won't be surprised by the price. Browse the price list of Hammas Mehiläinen.
The flexible payment options of Hammas Mehiläinen will protect you when you have a chipped tooth.