Broken Tooth Repair London | Emergency Dentist | South Kensington

Broken Tooth: What to Do and What to Expect

A broken tooth can happen in an instant—a fall, a sports collision, biting on something unexpected, or simply the final failure of a tooth weakened over time. Whatever the cause, the immediate priority is protecting the tooth from further damage and relieving any pain.

At our South Kensington practice, we reserve emergency slots daily for situations exactly like this. We understand the urgency—both physical (protecting the nerve, preventing infection) and emotional (it's your smile). Our team combines the latest dental technology with over 40 years of combined clinical experience to restore broken teeth to full function and beauty.

The outcome depends largely on what's broken and how quickly you act. Small chips are straightforward; complex fractures involving the root may require extraction. But even in worst-case scenarios, we have solutions that can restore your smile completely.

Types of Broken Teeth

Not all breaks are equal. The type of fracture determines treatment options and urgency:

What to Do Immediately After Breaking a Tooth

Don't Wait: Even if a broken tooth doesn't hurt, it needs professional assessment. The nerve may be compromised without immediate pain, and bacteria can enter the tooth through exposed dentin, leading to infection or abscess days later.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity and location of the break. We always aim to save the natural tooth when possible.

1. Composite Bonding (From £295)

For chips and minor breaks, composite bonding is often the ideal solution:

• Tooth-coloured resin sculpted directly onto the tooth
• Completed in a single appointment
• No drilling or anaesthesia needed for small chips
• Excellent aesthetic results—virtually invisible
• Can be repaired or modified if needed later

2. Porcelain Veneers (From £950)

When a front tooth has significant damage or you want a more durable, stain-resistant result, porcelain veneers provide excellent protection and aesthetics:

• Custom-made porcelain shell covers the entire front surface
• Highly durable—typically lasts 10-15+ years
• Stain-resistant and natural-looking
• Can address colour and shape concerns simultaneously

3. Dental Crowns (From £750)

For more substantial breaks, a dental crown provides complete protection by encasing the entire visible tooth:

• Full coverage protection for weakened teeth
• Restores full chewing function
• Porcelain or zirconia for natural appearance
• Essential after root canal treatment
• Long-lasting (15-25+ years with good care)

4. Root Canal + Crown (From £950 + Crown)

If the break has exposed or damaged the pulp (nerve), root canal treatment can save the tooth:

• Removes damaged or infected nerve tissue
• Eliminates pain and prevents abscess
• Allows the natural tooth to be retained
• Crown placed afterwards to protect the tooth

5. Extraction + Replacement

When a tooth cannot be saved—vertical root fracture, severe split, or extensive decay—extraction may be the only option. We then discuss replacement options:

• Dental Implants (from £2,500): The gold standard—a titanium root with a porcelain crown. Looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
• Dental Bridge: Uses adjacent teeth to support a replacement tooth. No surgery required.
• Partial Denture: Removable option, most economical for replacing multiple teeth.

Preventing Broken Teeth

While accidents happen, many broken teeth are preventable:

• Wear a mouthguard for sports: Custom-fitted guards from your dentist offer far better protection than shop-bought versions
• Don't use teeth as tools: Opening bottles, tearing packaging, or holding objects puts teeth at risk
• Avoid chewing ice and hard sweets: Common causes of fractured cusps and cracks
• Address grinding: A night guard protects against the massive forces generated during sleep grinding
• Replace large fillings: Old, large amalgam fillings weaken teeth. Crowns can protect before they break
• Regular check-ups: We can identify cracks and weaknesses before they fail catastrophically

Frequently Asked Questions

Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic
20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 3DL