A chipped or broken tooth can feel like bad luck, but sometimes it’s your tooth’s way of waving a red flag. Breaks can happen because there’s decay underneath, from years of grinding or clenching, or when one tooth is taking more than its fair share of the bite. Missing teeth can also mean neighbouring teeth are overloaded, increasing the risk of fractures.
Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it doesn’t — pain isn’t the only sign of trouble. Teeth work together as a team, and if one is down, the others start compensating. Cracks can also extend without warning, so even if things feel fine, it’s worth getting checked.
If your break is due to an accident, we can lodge an ACC claim on your behalf — they may cover part of the cost of your treatment, even if the accident was years ago.
- Accidents and knocks – Sports injuries, falls, or even biting on a fork.
- Biting something hard – Lollies, bones, ice, or rogue popcorn kernels.
- Decay or old fillings – Weakened structure gives way under pressure.
- Clenching and grinding – Constant stress fractures enamel over time.
- Missing teeth – Overload on the remaining ones.
Call us as soon as you can. We keep urgent appointment slots and do our best to see you the same day. If you have a piece of the tooth, keep it and bring it with you — sometimes we can bond it back on.
Every broken tooth is different, so we’ll start by figuring out exactly what’s happened — and then walk you through all your options. Sometimes it’s as simple as bonding the broken piece back on. Other times, we might suggest a filling, crown, or root canal if the nerve is involved.
The goal is always to keep as much of your natural tooth as possible, make it look and feel right, and get you back to chewing without worry. You’ll know the pros, cons, and costs before we do anything — no surprises, no pressure.
Cracks and chips have a habit of getting worse when left alone — like a windscreen crack that suddenly spreads. Decay can sneak in, the nerve can become inflamed, and what could have been a quick fix might turn into a bigger job.
Seeing us early means more choices, a better long-term outcome, and often a smaller bill. Plus, we can usually see you on the same day if it’s urgent, so you can stop thinking about that broken tooth and get back to your day.
Why Choose Switch Dental?
We’re not just here to “fix teeth” — we’re here to look after you. That means listening first, explaining clearly, and making sure you feel confident about your choices. Whether it’s a quick repair or a more involved treatment, you’ll always know what’s happening and why.
Our team is equipped with the latest tech (CEREC same-day crowns, digital scanners, 3D imaging) so we can diagnose precisely and get you sorted efficiently — often in a single visit. And if your broken tooth is the result of an accident, we can handle the ACC process for you, making things simpler at a stressful time.
