Fractured Tooth Treatment for North Finchley Patients

Seek treatment right away if you notice signs of a fractured tooth. Do not wait for the pain to worsen. Key symptoms include sharp, intermittent pain when you bite down, which may disappear when you release the bite. You might also feel pain when eating something hot or cold, or notice swelling in the gum around the affected tooth. Sometimes you feel a sharp edge with your tongue. Even if the fracture seems minor, it allows bacteria to enter the tooth's pulp, leading to infection. A patient from North Finchley visited us with what looked like a minor chip, but our digital imaging showed a crack extending toward the nerve. We treated it before it became a major issue.

Your emergency appointment lasts about 45 to 60 minutes and focuses on diagnosis and immediate relief. First, we listen to your symptoms and gently examine the tooth. We then take digital X-rays or use our 3D CBCT scanner to determine the exact location and extent of the fracture. Based on the diagnosis, we explain the best course of action. For a minor chip, we perform cosmetic bonding in the same visit. For a fractured cusp, we prepare the tooth for a permanent crown. If the crack has reached the pulp, Dr. Ashok Reddy, who holds an MSc in Endodontics, performs root canal treatment to save the tooth. We discuss all options and costs with you before starting treatment.

Your recovery depends on the treatment you received. For simple bonding, you can resume normal activities immediately. After a root canal or crown preparation, expect some tenderness for 2-3 days and manage it with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side for the first 24-48 hours. Maintain excellent oral hygiene, but be gentle when brushing around the area for the first few days. We provide a full set of personalized aftercare instructions.

Not all fractures are the same, so treatment is highly personalised. The main goal is to save the tooth if possible. Cosmetic Bonding: For small chips on the front teeth, a tooth coloured composite resin can be bonded to the surface. This is a quick, single visit procedure. Crown (Cap): For a larger fracture, especially on a back molar where biting forces are strong, a crown is the most durable solution. It covers and protects the entire tooth, holding it together. This typically takes two visits. Root Canal Treatment: If the fracture reaches the pulp, root canal treatment is necessary to remove the damaged tissue, clean the canals, and prevent abscess. This treatment has a high success rate and allows you to keep your natural tooth, which is then protected with a crown. Extraction: In severe cases such as a split tooth or a vertical root fracture, the tooth may not be savable. In this situation, extraction is the option, and we discuss replacement solutions like a dental implant or bridge.

The cost of treating a fractured tooth varies widely depending on the required procedure. A simple cosmetic bonding procedure is significantly cheaper than a root canal and crown. During your emergency consultation, we provide a transparent, itemised treatment plan with all associated costs before any work begins. There are no hidden fees. As a private practice, NHS treatment is not offered, but we accept several dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please let our team know if you have coverage, and we can help with the necessary paperwork.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether with us or another practice in the North Finchley area, here are some important questions to ask: What type of fracture does my tooth have? What is the long term prognosis for saving this tooth? What are all my treatment options, and what are the pros and cons of each? What does the total cost include and does it cover the final restoration like a crown? How many appointments will the full treatment take? What experience do you have with this specific type of procedure?