Breaking a tooth can be painful, worrying and often happens when you least expect it. Whether you’ve chipped a tooth while eating, suffered an accident or noticed part of a filling has broken away, it’s important to have it assessed as soon as possible.
At Franklin House Dental in Gillingham, we provide prompt treatment for broken, chipped and cracked teeth. Our experienced team will examine the damage and recommend the most suitable repair to restore your smile, relieve discomfort and help prevent further problems.
If you’re in pain or have suffered a dental injury, we also offer emergency dental appointments whenever possible. Click here to get in touch with us for emergency dentists.
What Should You Do If You Break a Tooth?
If you’ve broken a tooth, try to stay calm and follow these simple steps before visiting the dentist.
Rinse your mouth
Use warm water to gently clean the area and remove any debris.
Save any broken pieces
If possible, keep any fragments of the tooth and bring them with you.
Reduce swelling
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face if swelling develops.
Avoid chewing
Try not to chew on the affected side until you’ve been treated.
Contact a dentist immediately
The sooner your tooth is repaired, the better the chances of preventing further damage.
Signs You Need Urgent Treatment
Some broken teeth require immediate attention.
You should contact us straight away if you have:
- Severe tooth pain
- Heavy bleeding
- A large section of tooth missing
- A loose tooth
- Swelling around the tooth or face
- Difficulty eating or speaking
- Sharp edges causing injury to your tongue or cheek
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, our emergency dental team will always try to see you as quickly as possible. Get in touch here.
How We Repair Broken Teeth
The best treatment depends on how much of the tooth has been damaged.
Dental Bonding
Small chips can often be repaired using tooth-coloured composite resin that blends naturally with your smile.
Ideal for:
- Small chips
- Minor fractures
- Cosmetic repairs
White Fillings
If part of the tooth has broken away due to decay or an old filling failing, a white filling can restore both strength and appearance.
Dental Crowns
For larger breaks, a custom-made crown may be recommended to completely protect the remaining tooth.
Benefits include:
- Restores strength
- Natural appearance
- Long-lasting solution
- Protects against further fractures
Root Canal Treatment
If the break exposes the nerve inside the tooth, root canal treatment may be needed before restoring the tooth.
This can often save a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed.
Tooth Extraction
Unfortunately, some teeth are too badly damaged to repair.
If this happens, we’ll discuss replacement options such as dental implants, bridges or dentures to restore your smile.
Can a Broken Tooth Heal Itself?
Unfortunately, no.
Unlike a broken bone, a tooth cannot repair itself.
Even if the pain disappears, bacteria can enter the damaged area and eventually cause:
- Infection
- Tooth abscesses
- Further fractures
- Tooth loss
Prompt treatment usually leads to a simpler and less expensive repair.
How Much Does Broken Tooth Repair Cost?
The cost depends on the extent of the damage and the treatment required.
During your appointment we’ll:
- Assess the damage
- Explain your treatment options
- Provide a clear quotation before treatment begins
There are no hidden surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a chipped tooth an emergency?
Small chips without pain aren’t always emergencies, but they should still be examined to prevent further damage.
Can you repair a broken front tooth?
Yes. In many cases, composite bonding or a crown can restore both appearance and strength.
What if my broken tooth doesn’t hurt?
Even painless fractures can allow bacteria inside the tooth, leading to future infection.
How long does a repaired tooth last?
Many repairs last for many years with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
Can I eat with a broken tooth?
It’s best to avoid chewing on the affected side until you’ve been treated.
Why Choose Franklin House Dental?
Patients throughout Gillingham and the surrounding areas trust Franklin House Dental because we offer:
- Friendly, experienced dentists
- Emergency appointments available
- Modern treatment techniques
- Tooth-coloured restorations
- Comfortable, welcoming practice
- Clear treatment plans with no hidden costs
Need Broken Tooth Repair?
If you’ve broken or chipped a tooth, don’t wait for the problem to get worse.
Contact Franklin House Dental today to arrange an appointment. We’ll assess the damage, relieve any pain and recommend the most effective treatment to restore your smile as quickly as possible.
