Broken Tooth Repair for North Finchley & N12 Patients

Seek urgent dental care if you have severe pain sharp fragments in the mouth or signs of infection such as swelling or fever. A tiny chip may not seem urgent but any fracture exposes inner tooth layers to bacteria and risks infection or further damage. We recommend checking a broken tooth within 24 to 48 hours. For North Finchley residents we offer same day slots during hours for urgent cases to prevent complications. If the break follows trauma also check for damage to jaw or nearby teeth.

During your tooth repair visit we begin with a thorough exam. This may include digital X rays or a 3D CBCT scan to see the root and surrounding bone. The initial assessment lasts about 30 minutes. For a small chip we often use cosmetic bonding with a tooth color resin that is sculpted and hardened in a single visit of 30 to 60 minutes. For larger fractures or a cracked cusp a crown is usually needed. The first appointment lasts 60 to 90 minutes. We prepare the tooth and take a digital scan for our lab. A temporary crown is placed and you return in about two weeks for the final fitting which lasts about 30 minutes. If the nerve is damaged a root canal may be needed first as a separate procedure.

One North Finchley patient chipped her front tooth on a water bottle. We restored shape and color with cosmetic bonding in a 45 minute appointment. The result looked natural and she could smile confidently right away. Another patient from Whetstone fractured a molar cusp causing sharp pain when eating. A 3D scan showed the tooth was salvageable. We prepared it for a durable ceramic crown. After two weeks the final crown was placed restoring chewing function and eliminating the pain.

After bonding you can usually eat normally after the procedure but avoid very hard foods or biting directly on the repair for the first 24 hours. The area may feel different to the tongue at first. If a crown was fitted the gums may feel tender for a day or two. Avoid sticky or hard foods until the final crown is placed. In the long run care for the repaired tooth like a natural tooth with regular brushing and flossing. A bonded repair lasts about 5 to 7 years with good care while a crown lasts over 15 years. Red flags requiring contact: Call our practice during office hours for an urgent assessment if you have a severe throbbing toothache the restoration feels loose or you have swelling around the repaired tooth. For out of hours emergencies visit A&E or call 111.

Saving the natural tooth remains the goal. If a tooth fractures below the gum line or shows a vertical root fracture it may not be restorable. In such cases extraction followed by a replacement is usually best. Dental Implant: This is the gold standard solution. It involves placing a titanium post in the jawbone to act as a new root, topped with a crown. It is the most durable and natural feeling option starting from £2,500 but requires a healing period of 3 to 6 months. Fixed Bridge: A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors for a false tooth. It is faster than an implant (2 to 3 weeks) but requires altering healthy teeth, which we generally aim to avoid. It works if the neighbouring teeth already have crowns.

To ensure you make an informed choice whether you consult us or another practice in North London ask these essential questions: Based on the fracture what is the long term prognosis for this tooth? What repair material do you recommend and why? How long can the repair last with good care? What is the total cost including the examination X rays and final restoration? Are there alternatives and what are the pros and cons of each? Does dental insurance such as Denplan or Cigna cover part of this treatment?

The cost of repairing a broken tooth depends entirely on the type and severity of the fracture. A simple cosmetic bonding repair for a small chip starts from £250. A full ceramic crown to restore a heavily broken molar typically starts at around £850. If root canal treatment is required to save the tooth, this will be an additional cost. We provide a fully itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees after the initial examination. We are a private practice and accept major dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team can assist you with the necessary paperwork for your claim.