Broken or Chipped Tooth Repair in London
A broken or chipped tooth is one of the most common dental emergencies. The right repair depends on how much of the tooth has broken, whether the nerve is exposed, and whether there is pain. Small chips can often be smoothed or restored with composite bonding in a single appointment. Larger fractures may need a crown, root canal treatment first, or — if the tooth is unsavable — extraction with a discussion of replacement options.
Flat £30 emergency assessment fee for everyone. X-rays (£20/image, £10 for members) and onward treatment quoted separately in writing before treatment.
What to Do Right Now
- →Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- →If you can find the broken piece, keep it in milk or saliva — occasionally fragments can be reattached.
- →A small piece of sugar-free chewing gum or orthodontic wax can be used to cover a sharp edge temporarily.
- →Take ibuprofen and/or paracetamol at recommended doses for pain.
- →Avoid biting on the affected side until you are seen.
How We Treat Broken Tooth Repair
Treatment options range from polishing a small chip, to composite bonding, to a porcelain or zirconia crown, to root canal treatment plus crown if the nerve is involved. If the tooth cannot be saved, replacement options include an implant, bridge or denture. We will explain the options in writing before any treatment goes ahead.
Cost & what is included
Emergency assessment is a flat £30 for everyone — this includes the clinical examination and pain triage. X-rays (charged at £20 per image, £10 for members) and any onward treatment are quoted separately and confirmed in writing before treatment goes ahead. We will explain options and prognosis honestly; you are free to take time to decide or to seek a second opinion.
Common Causes
Understanding what has caused the problem helps you take the right next step — and helps us choose the right treatment. The most frequent reasons we see in clinic are:
- •Biting on hard food (e.g. ice, popcorn kernels, nuts) or a hidden bone fragment.
- •Trauma from sport, falls or road traffic incidents.
- •Large old fillings that have weakened the remaining tooth structure.
- •Tooth grinding (bruxism) that has caused micro-cracks over time.
- •Untreated decay that has undermined the enamel.
Treatment Costs — Guide Prices
All prices below are guide prices for treatments most commonly needed for this kind of emergency. Your written treatment plan after the assessment will confirm the exact figure for your situation, before any treatment goes ahead. SPMD Dental Membership typically saves 50% on most dental treatments (terms apply).
| Treatment | Standard price | Member price |
|---|---|---|
Emergency dental assessment Flat £30 for everyone — examination + pain triage. | £30 | £30 |
Dental X-ray (per image) Only charged if clinically required. | £20 | £10 |
Composite bonding (per tooth) Used for small chips and worn edges. | from £350 | from £175 |
Crown (porcelain / metal-ceramic) Per tooth. | from £995 | from £497.50 |
Crown (zirconia) Per tooth. | from £1,195 | from £597.50 |
Tooth extraction (simple) For non-surgical removal. | from £250 | from £125 |
Emergency assessment is a flat £30 for everyone (this is the standard rate — the membership discount does not apply to the assessment itself). Multi-visit treatments (e.g. root canal + crown) are quoted together so you can see the full cost up front. We never start treatment without your written agreement.
After Your Appointment
You will leave with written aftercare specific to your treatment. As a general guide, the following points apply to most patients seen for this kind of emergency:
- ✓Avoid chewing on the repaired tooth for 24 hours if a bonded repair has been placed.
- ✓Avoid staining drinks (red wine, coffee, tea) for 24 hours after composite bonding to allow the surface to fully cure.
- ✓If a temporary crown is in place, avoid sticky and very hard foods until the permanent crown is fitted.
- ✓Brush gently around the repair and floss carefully — do not pull the floss upwards out of the contact, slide it sideways.
- ✓Contact us if the repair feels too high when biting or comes loose.
If anything worries you between appointments, phone the clinic — we would much rather hear from you early than late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a broken tooth be repaired the same day?
Many small to moderate chips can be repaired the same day with composite bonding. Larger fractures usually need impressions or a digital scan with a crown fitted at a second appointment. We will be honest about what is realistic at your assessment.
Does a broken tooth always hurt?
Not always. A small enamel chip may not cause pain. Pain with hot, cold or biting often indicates that the deeper layers (dentine or pulp) are involved and the tooth needs prompt attention.
Will I need a crown for a broken tooth?
Crowns are usually recommended when a significant amount of the natural tooth has broken or where the tooth has been root canal treated. Smaller breaks can often be restored with composite bonding. Your dentist will explain the most appropriate option for your case.
How much will the repair cost?
A flat £30 emergency assessment fee applies. The repair cost depends on the option chosen — composite bonding typically from £350, crowns from £995. A full written quote is provided before any treatment starts.
What if my broken tooth is bleeding?
Light bleeding can be controlled with gauze pressure for 10–15 minutes. Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding, particularly after trauma, is a medical emergency — call 999 or go to A&E.
Other Dental Emergencies
Looking for help with something else? See our other emergency dentist pages:
Need to be seen now?
Call the clinic nearest to you. Same-day emergency appointments are subject to clinical availability — we will give you the soonest realistic slot. Out of hours, NHS 111 can also help.
SPMD Medical & Dental is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). If at any point you are unhappy with your care, we welcome your feedback. Our complaints procedure is published on our website and a copy is available on request.
