How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Chipped Tooth?
Chipping a tooth… it’s sudden. One moment, everything’s fine. The next, you feel a sharp edge or notice it in the mirror and cringe.
The truth? Fixing a chipped tooth in the UK can cost a few different amounts. Sometimes under £100. Sometimes over £2,000. It all depends on how big the chip is and what the tooth needs. Light smoothing or a small filling? Low end. Crowns, root canal treatment, or an implant? That’s the higher end.
What you’re really paying for when you chip a tooth
Here’s the thing: you’re not just paying to “cover the chip.” You’re paying for a repair that keeps the tooth healthy and looking natural for years.
A tiny chip on the edge? Often just a polish or small bonding. A deeper break reaching the nerve? That’s more support.
Typical private ranges in the UK:
- Enamel smoothing / cosmetic contouring: £30–£150 per tooth
- Small composite filling: from £90
- Composite bonding on a front tooth: £100–£400 per tooth
- Porcelain or composite veneer: £350–£1,000 per tooth
- Crown for a badly broken tooth: £600–£1,500 per tooth
- Root canal plus crown or implant (for very damaged teeth): £2,000+
Quick note: these are broad ranges. Every clinic has its own pricing. The only way to know your exact cost? A proper assessment.
A small story: from sharp chip to smooth smile
Emma (not her real name) chipped her front tooth on a fork during lunch. Not huge, but sharp. And she hated seeing it in photos.
When she came in, the dentist checked it, took a tiny X-ray to be safe, and talked through options. The chip was shallow. Nerve fine. Composite bonding was perfect. Colour matched. Resin shaped. Light set. Polished until it blended perfectly.
An hour later? Emma walked out smiling like nothing had happened. And the cost? Comfortable. Low hundreds, not thousands. Small chips like this are surprisingly simple to fix when addressed early.
What to think about after chipping a tooth
When a tooth chips, ask yourself:
- How big is it?
- Is it painful?
- Is it a front or back tooth?
These three answers guide the treatment:
- Minor, painless chips – often smoothing, small filling, or simple bonding. Most affordable.
- Visible chips on front teeth – bonding or veneers usually look best. Slightly higher cost for a natural finish.
- Larger or deeper breaks – may need a crown, sometimes after root canal. More expensive, but long-term protection is worth it.
Common worries—and the truth
“It doesn’t hurt, so I can leave it.”
Small chips can crack further, trap plaque, or worsen over time. Early repair usually saves money and protects more of your natural tooth.
“It will look fake.”
Modern bonding and ceramics are colour-matched. Done well, most people can’t tell which tooth was treated.
“It will hurt a lot.”
Minor smoothing or bonding often requires no injections. Even bigger treatments are done under local anaesthetic—mostly pressure, not sharp pain.
FAQs
- Is fixing a chipped tooth always expensive?
No. Tiny chips may just need smoothing or a little filling.
- How fast should I see a dentist after chipping a tooth?
Painful, bleeding, or sharp? Same-day or next-day. Mild and painless? Within a few days—don’t wait weeks.
- Will I always need a crown?
Not at all. Crowns are mainly for bigger breaks or weakened teeth. Small chips? Often bonding, fillings, or veneers.
- Can a chip be fixed in one visit?
Yes. Many small chips are repaired in a single appointment.
A calm next step
Chipped a tooth? Don’t stress alone. A quick, gentle check at Bridge Dental and Cosmetic Studio in Isleworth can show you your options in plain language. You’ll get a clear estimate before anything starts. No surprises. Just a smile that’s safe, natural, and feels right again.