Cracked Tooth Treatment for West Finchley Patients

Seek urgent dental assessment if you notice signs of a cracked tooth. Unlike a broken bone, a crack will not heal on its own and can worsen over time, risking infection or tooth loss. Call us if you have erratic pain while chewing, especially when you release your bite, or sharp pain with hot or cold temperatures. Sometimes the pain comes and goes, making it hard to identify the involved tooth. Even without a visible crack, these symptoms warn you. Many West Finchley patients come to us when this discomfort interferes with daily life. Prompt assessment enables saving the tooth with simpler treatments.

Your appointment starts with a thorough consultation lasting about 30 to 45 minutes. First we listen to your symptoms and dental history. Then Dr. Ashok Reddy performs a detailed examination. Diagnosing a cracked tooth requires precision, since many cracks are too small to show on standard X rays. We use a dental operating microscope, which provides high magnification to locate the fracture and its depth. In complex cases a 3D CBCT scan may be needed for a complete view of the tooth and roots. After diagnosis we explain the crack type and discuss suitable treatment options, from simple bonding to a full crown or root canal. We ensure you have all the information before proceeding.

For minor cracks or chipped cusps, we use composite resin bonding to repair the tooth. This is a straightforward procedure completed in one visit of about 30 to 60 minutes, where the material is bonded into the crack to seal it and restore the tooth shape.

When a larger piece of the chewing surface has broken off, a crown is usually the best solution. The crown fits over the tooth like a cap, holding it together and protecting it from further damage. This typically requires two appointments over 2 to 3 weeks. With proper care, a crown can protect the tooth for over 10 to 15 years.

If the crack extends deep into the pulp, it can cause inflammation or infection. In this case root canal treatment saves the tooth. Dr. Reddy, who holds an MSc in Endodontics, performs this procedure over one or two appointments, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes. The treatment involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the root canals, and sealing them. A crown is then placed on top to protect the tooth. This approach has a high success rate of over 90 percent in saving severely cracked teeth.

Our goal is to save natural teeth whenever possible. However, if the crack runs below the gum line and splits the tooth or affects the root vertically, the tooth may not be salvageable. In this situation the only option is extraction. We then discuss replacement options such as a dental implant or bridge.

Recovery depends on the treatment you receive. After bonding you can usually eat normally right away. If you have a crown or root canal, expect mild tenderness for 2 to 4 days, which is manageable with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. We advise chewing on the opposite side of your mouth until the permanent crown is fitted. Maintain careful oral hygiene with gentle brushing and flossing. Red flags during office hours are as follows: severe, throbbing pain not relieved by painkillers; swelling in gums or face that grows after day 3; a fever above 38C; your temporary crown feeling loose or coming off. For emergencies outside our opening hours call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

To choose the right option, here are key questions to ask, whether you see our Finchley practice or another provider: How did you diagnose the location and severity of the crack? What is the long term prognosis for saving this tooth? What are the success rates for the treatment you are recommending? What material will you use for the crown or filling, and why? Will root canal treatment be needed now or potentially in the future? What is the total cost including the assessment, treatment, and follow up visits? What happens if the treatment fails or the crack worsens?

The cost depends on the procedure required. A simple assessment and diagnostic x ray has a set fee. Dental bonding is the most budget friendly repair, while a root canal followed by a crown is a larger investment to save your tooth. For example, dental implants to replace an extracted tooth start from £2,500. During your consultation we provide a fully itemised treatment plan with a clear breakdown of all costs and no hidden fees. As a private practice we do not offer NHS treatment, but we do accept patients with private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your policy details to your appointment.