Urgent dental care · Open today
Management of Fractured Teeth
A cracked or broken tooth can range from a minor cosmetic chip to a more serious fracture affecting the nerve. We’ll assess the extent of the damage and recommend the right fix, from a simple smoothing or bonding to more involved restorative treatment.
Same-day appointments · No referral needed · Evenings & weekends
What this treatment is
Assessed, made safe, then repaired
How a fracture is treated depends on how deep it goes. A chipped edge can often be smoothed or bonded in a single visit. A break into the dentine usually needs a filling or an onlay, and a fracture reaching the nerve needs root canal treatment before the tooth is rebuilt. We take an X-ray, tell you which of those you are dealing with, and make the tooth comfortable the same day.
- Sharp edges smoothed on the day — so the tooth stops cutting your tongue or cheek before you leave.
- The right repair, not the biggest one — bonding, a filling, an onlay or a crown, depending on what the X-ray shows.
- Front teeth matched to your smile — composite is shaded to the neighbouring teeth so the repair is not obvious.
Signs you need it
Come in if you notice any of these
Even a small crack lets bacteria into the tooth. Getting it sealed early is usually the difference between a filling and a crown.
A chipped edge
A piece has broken off a front or back tooth, even if it does not hurt.
Sharp pain on biting
A short, sharp jab as you bite down or release, which suggests a crack.
A rough or sharp edge
The broken edge is catching or cutting your tongue, lip or cheek.
Cold sensitivity
Cold air or drinks cause a sudden sting where the enamel is missing.
A visible crack line
A line running across the tooth, sometimes stained darker than the enamel.
A lost piece of tooth
A fragment has come away and the tooth feels hollow or looks shorter.
What to expect
How we treat a fractured tooth
Examination and X-ray
Step 01
We check how deep the fracture runs and whether the nerve is involved, with an X-ray if needed.
Making the tooth safe
Step 02
Sharp edges are smoothed and any exposed dentine is covered so the tooth is comfortable straight away.
Restoring the tooth
Step 03
Depending on the break, the tooth is bonded, filled, or built up ready for an onlay or crown.
Review and next steps
Step 04
We explain what the tooth needs longer term and book the follow-up if further work is required.
Price & appointment length
assessment, from
The assessment fee covers the examination, X-rays and making the tooth safe on the day. The repair itself is quoted once we can see how deep the fracture goes, and we confirm the cost with you before starting.
| Appointment length | 30–45 minutes |
| X-rays | Included |
| Smoothing or bonding | From £00 |
| Crown or onlay | Quoted on the day |
| Availability | Same day |
Questions
Before you come in
Not sure how bad the break is? Call the practice and we will tell you whether to come in today.
Should I come in if it does not hurt?
Yes. A crack can be painless and still let bacteria into the tooth, and a sharp edge will keep irritating your tongue. Sealing it early is far simpler than treating decay or infection later.
Should I keep the broken piece?
If you have it, bring it with you in a clean container. A larger fragment from a front tooth can sometimes be bonded back in place.
Can it be fixed in one visit?
Chips, rough edges and most small to medium fractures are repaired the same day. A crown or onlay needs a second appointment while it is made, but the tooth is protected in the meantime.
Will the repair be noticeable?
On front teeth we shade the composite to your neighbouring teeth, so the repair blends in. Larger restorations can be made in porcelain for a closer match.
What should I do before my appointment?
Avoid chewing on that side, rinse with warm salty water, and take your usual painkillers if you need them. If the edge is very sharp, covering it with sugar-free chewing gum helps until you are seen.
In pain today?
Call the clinic or book online. New patients are welcome, and no registration is required.