Broken Tooth Repair in Finchley: Same-Day Emergency Appointments

A broken tooth needs attention, and you should seek urgent care if you have severe pain, a sharp edge that cuts the tongue or cheek, or a large piece broken exposing the pulp. Delayed treatment can lead to infection or further damage. For small chips with no pain you should still book promptly to stop problems from getting worse. We reserve daily slots for urgent cases in Finchley and nearby areas.

For small chips on front teeth, composite bonding is a good option. A tooth-coloured resin is applied, shaped, and polished to match your tooth. It is usually done in one visit, about 30 to 60 minutes, and it is a cost effective way to restore your tooth's shape. A North Finchley patient chipped their front tooth on a weekend and returned Monday morning; we fixed it with bonding in under an hour and the result was seamless.

If a large part of the tooth, especially a molar, has broken off, a dental crown is often the most durable solution. A crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire remaining tooth structure, protecting it from further damage and restoring chewing strength. The process usually requires two visits: one for preparation and impression-taking, and a second for fitting the final crown about two weeks later. A patient from Golders Green recently came to us with a fractured molar. We placed a temporary filling during an emergency visit and fitted a permanent ceramic crown two weeks later, fully restoring their ability to chew.

If a front tooth is chipped and you also want to improve its appearance, a porcelain veneer could be an option. A veneer is a thin shell of ceramic bonded to the front surface of the tooth. While highly aesthetic, it is more involved and costly than bonding and is usually considered cosmetic rather than a purely functional repair. We will discuss if this is a suitable alternative during your consultation.

Your 30 minute emergency assessment starts with an examination to gauge the damage, which may include a digital X-ray. We will share findings and discuss the best repair options for your case. If you are in pain we will give local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable. For a small chip we can usually complete a bonding repair in the same visit, about 45 to 60 minutes. If a crown is needed we will smooth the tooth, take a digital scan, and place a temporary filling. You will return in about two weeks for the final crown fitting, which lasts around 30 minutes.

After the repair, proper care matters. With bonding you may experience mild sensitivity for 24 to 48 hours, but you can eat and drink normally once the anaesthetic wears off. Avoid very hard or sticky foods on the repaired tooth for the first day. For a crown your tooth might be sensitive for a few days after both the preparation and the final fitting; this is normal and can be managed with over the counter pain relief. Keep up good oral hygiene and brush and floss gently around the new restoration. Red flags to watch for: call our practice during office hours if you experience severe, throbbing pain that is not relieved by painkillers, if your bite feels high or uneven after 24 hours, or if a temporary filling comes loose. Please contact us during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For out of hours emergencies like uncontrolled bleeding or facial swelling, call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

We price transparently with no hidden fees. The cost of repairing a broken tooth depends on the treatment required. Bonding for a chipped tooth typically ranges from £250 to £450. A dental crown to restore a heavily broken tooth starts from £850. Your emergency assessment fee will be clearly explained when you book. We are a private dental practice and do not offer NHS treatment, but we accept several major insurance plans, including Denplan and Cigna. We will provide you with a detailed treatment plan and cost breakdown during your consultation.

To help you choose your treatment, here are some key questions to ask, whether you see us or another practice in Finchley. How long will the repair, bonding or crown, last? What materials do you use and why are they suitable for my tooth? Will the repair match my natural colour? What are the total costs including consultation and X-rays? Are there any alternative options to consider?