Broken teeth and decay
Whether you've chipped a tooth, broken a filling or developed tooth decay, we'll help you understand what's happened and the best way to restore your tooth.
Damaged teeth can often be restored.
Teeth are remarkably strong, but over time they can become damaged through decay, old fillings, cracks, accidents, grinding or everyday wear.
The good news is that many damaged teeth can be repaired. Our priority is to preserve as much healthy natural tooth as possible and choose a restoration that provides the right balance of strength, appearance and long-term protection.
Why do teeth become damaged?
There are many reasons a tooth may need repairing. Understanding the cause helps us choose the most appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of further problems.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in dental plaque in your mouth. These bacteria produce acids that gradually damage the tooth and can eventually create a cavity.
Old or failing fillings
Existing restorations can wear, fracture or develop gaps around their edges, allowing bacteria from the mouth to leak underneath.
Cracks & fractures
Teeth can crack through heavy biting forces, large existing fillings or gradual weakening of the natural tooth.
Accidents & trauma
Falls, sports injuries or biting unexpectedly hard objects can chip or fracture otherwise healthy teeth.
Grinding & clenching
Repeated heavy forces can gradually cause teeth and restorations to chip, crack or wear down.
Tooth wear & erosion
Acid erosion and years of natural wear can reduce the amount of tooth structure and make teeth more vulnerable to further damage.
How can a damaged tooth be repaired?
The right treatment depends mainly on how much tooth has been lost and whether the nerve inside the tooth remains healthy.
White Fillings
Tooth-coloured composite is often ideal for smaller or moderate areas of decay, chips or damaged tooth structure.
- Tooth-coloured
- Bonded directly to the tooth
- Preserves healthy tooth structure
Crowns & Onlays
When more tooth structure has been lost, a crown or onlay can strengthen and protect what remains.
- Protects weakened teeth
- Restores shape and function
- Useful for larger restorations
Root Canal Treatment
If bacteria from the mouth have reached the nerve of the tooth through tooth decay or a crack, root canal treatment may allow us to save the natural tooth.
- Removes infected nerve tissue
- Helps prevent further infection
- Can avoid extraction
A real restorative result
Even a noticeably damaged tooth can often be carefully rebuilt to restore both appearance and function.
Before 
After What determines the right treatment?
Every damaged tooth is different. We assess the tooth as a whole before recommending how best to repair it.
How much healthy tooth remains?
A smaller defect may be suitable for a filling, while a heavily weakened tooth may benefit from greater protection with an onlay or crown.
Is the nerve healthy?
If damage or decay has reached the nerve, root canal treatment may be required before the tooth can be fully restored.
Where is the tooth?
Front and back teeth have different aesthetic and functional demands, which can influence the most appropriate restoration.
How much force does it take?
Your bite, grinding habits and the amount of chewing pressure on the tooth all matter when deciding how much protection it needs.
Why is it better to treat damage early?
Dental problems usually don't hurt in their early stages. Treating damage before it progresses to a bigger problem can make treatment simpler.
Preserve more natural tooth
Smaller defects generally require less extensive restoration, allowing us to retain more healthy tooth structure.
Reduce the risk of infection
Untreated decay or fractures can progress deeper into the tooth and eventually affect the nerve.
Avoid unexpected pain
A cavity can become quite advanced before it becomes painful. Regular examinations help identify problems before they become an emergency.
Keep treatment simpler
Repairing a small area today may help reduce the likelihood of needing more complex treatment later.
Questions about broken and damaged teeth
Can a broken tooth always be repaired?
Many broken teeth can be successfully restored, but it depends on how much healthy tooth remains, whether the fracture extends below the gum and the health of the nerve and supporting tissues. We'll assess the tooth before discussing the realistic options. Sometimes the only option for a badly damaged tooth is to remove it.
Do I need a filling or a crown?
Smaller areas of damage can often be restored with a filling. If a significant amount of tooth has been lost or the remaining tooth is weakened, a crown or onlay may offer better protection. If you have a strong bite or a grinding habit, a crown or onlay may also be better.
Does a cavity always cause toothache?
No. Tooth decay can progress without causing obvious symptoms, particularly in its earlier stages. Pain may only develop once the decay has become deeper or affected the nerve.
Will a broken tooth need root canal treatment?
Not necessarily. Root canal treatment is usually only needed when the nerve inside the tooth has become irreversibly damaged, died or become infected.
What should I do if a filling has broken?
Arrange an assessment rather than waiting for the tooth to hurt. A broken filling can leave weakened tooth structure exposed and the appropriate repair will depend on how much of the tooth and restoration has been lost.
What if the tooth cannot be saved?
Occasionally a tooth is too badly damaged to restore reliably. If extraction is necessary, we'll explain why and can also discuss suitable options for replacing the missing tooth.
Have you broken or damaged a tooth?
Book an appointment and we'll assess the tooth, explain what's happened and talk you through the most appropriate ways to restore it.