Broken Tooth Treatment in Henley on Thames
A broken tooth can happen unexpectedly — whether from an accident, biting down on something hard, or as a result of weakened tooth structure. At The DNA Henley Clinic in Henley on Thames, we understand how distressing a broken tooth can be. Our team provides prompt emergency appointments to assess the damage, relieve any pain, and restore your tooth with the most appropriate treatment. We're here to help you feel reassured and comfortable throughout the process.
Common Causes
Trauma or injury to the face — falls, sports injuries, or accidental impacts can cause teeth to crack or break.
Biting down on hard objects — chewing ice, hard sweets, or accidentally biting on an olive stone or bone can fracture a tooth.
Large existing fillings — teeth with large fillings have less natural tooth structure supporting them, making them more susceptible to breakage.
Tooth decay weakening the structure — untreated decay gradually erodes the tooth from within, making it fragile and prone to breaking.
Teeth grinding (bruxism) — habitual clenching or grinding, often during sleep, places excessive force on teeth over time.
Age-related wear — natural wear and tear over the years can make teeth more brittle and vulnerable to fractures.
Symptoms to Watch For
Visible crack, chip, or missing piece from the tooth
Sharp pain when biting down or releasing bite pressure
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet food and drinks
A rough or jagged edge that irritates the tongue or cheek
Swelling of the gum around the affected tooth
Intermittent pain that comes and goes unpredictably
Need Urgent Dental Care?
Contact The DNA Henley Clinic in Henley on Thames for prompt, compassionate treatment. We offer same-day emergency appointments.
Treatment Options
Dental bonding — for minor breaks, tooth-coloured composite resin can be applied and shaped to restore the tooth's appearance and function. This is a quick, effective treatment often completed in a single visit at our Henley on Thames practice.
Dental crowns — when a significant portion of the tooth is damaged, a crown (cap) is placed over the remaining tooth structure to protect it and restore full function. Crowns are custom-made to match your natural teeth.
Root canal treatment — if the break is severe enough to expose or damage the tooth's pulp, root canal treatment may be needed to remove the damaged tissue, treat any infection, and save the tooth before fitting a crown.
Dental veneers — for front teeth with minor fractures, a porcelain veneer can be bonded to the front surface to restore the tooth's shape and provide a natural, aesthetically pleasing result.
Tooth extraction and replacement — if the tooth is broken below the gum line or the damage is too extensive to repair, extraction may be necessary. We can then discuss replacement options such as dental implants or bridges.
Prevention Tips
Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard when playing contact sports or engaging in activities with a risk of facial impact.
Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pen caps, hard sweets, and popcorn kernels.
If you grind your teeth at night, speak to us about a night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
Maintain regular dental check-ups so that weakened teeth or large fillings can be monitored and treated before they break.
Address tooth decay promptly — early fillings prevent the extensive damage that can lead to breakage.
Use your teeth only for chewing food — never as tools to open bottles, tear packaging, or cut tape.