Fractured & Cracked Tooth Treatment in East Finchley

A fractured tooth is a dental emergency that needs prompt assessment. While some minor chips are purely cosmetic, deeper cracks expose the tooth's inner pulp to bacteria, causing infection and severe pain. Seek treatment immediately if you feel sharp pain when biting, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, or visible cracks. A patient from East Finchley recently came to us with a fractured molar after biting on an olive stone. We saw them the same day, preventing the crack from worsening. While you wait for your appointment, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, but avoid applying them directly to the tooth or gum.

Your emergency appointment lasts about 45 to 60 minutes and focuses on diagnosis and pain relief. First we listen to how the fracture occurred and examine the tooth, often using a dental operating microscope for high magnification. Next we take digital X-rays or a 3D CBCT scan to determine the fracture's depth and whether it has reached the pulp. Based on the findings we explain your options. For minor fractures we may place a permanent filling or bonding in a single visit. For more complex cases we provide immediate pain relief, place a temporary restoration to protect the tooth, and schedule a follow-up for a crown or root canal treatment. Our aim is to make you comfortable and to map out a clear plan to restore the tooth's health and function.

The treatment depends on the type and severity of the break. A fractured cusp is common and often not painful; it is usually fixed with a filling or a dental crown. A cracked tooth involves a crack line from the chewing surface toward the root. If the crack has not reached the pulp, a crown can hold the tooth together and stop the crack from spreading. If the crack reaches the pulp, root canal treatment is needed to save the tooth. For a recent patient with a cracked premolar, our 3D scan showed the crack near the pulp. We performed root canal treatment, overseen by Dr. Ashok Reddy, who holds an MSc in Endodontics, followed by a crown, saving a tooth that might otherwise have been lost.

After your treatment you may feel tenderness for a few days. This is manageable with standard painkillers. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth for 24 to 48 hours. For long term care maintain excellent oral hygiene and avoid chewing on very hard items like ice or hard sweets, which can damage the restoration or the underlying tooth. Regular checkups let us monitor the treated tooth and ensure its longevity. Red flags during office hours include severe, throbbing pain not relieved by painkillers, swelling around the treated tooth, a bite that feels off, or a temporary filling or crown coming loose. For emergencies outside these hours please visit your nearest A&E or call NHS 111 for advice.

Not every fractured tooth can be saved. If a tooth splits vertically or the fracture extends deep below the gum line, extraction may be the only option to prevent chronic infection and pain. If this happens we discuss replacement options in detail. The most common choices are a dental implant, which provides a permanent, stable replacement that functions like a natural tooth, or a fixed bridge that uses adjacent teeth for support. A removable partial denture is a more budget friendly option but less permanent. We provide a balanced view of the pros and cons of each option to help you choose what fits your dental health and budget.

The cost of treating a fractured tooth varies based on the procedure needed. A simple composite bonding repair may cost a few hundred pounds, while a dental crown costs more. If root canal treatment is required the price is higher due to the procedure's complexity. During the emergency assessment we provide a clear quote with no hidden fees. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS treatment, but we do accept plans from Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa. Please bring your insurance details to the appointment so we can help with paperwork.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether with us or another practice in North London, consider these questions. What is the long term prognosis for saving this tooth? What are the success rates for the treatment you are recommending? Does the quoted price include all follow up appointments and necessary X rays? What material will you use for the crown or filling and why? Are there other treatment options I should consider? What are the risks if I choose to do nothing for now?