Emergency dentistry
Chipped or broken tooth
A chipped tooth may only need smoothing or bonding, while a larger fracture can involve the nerve or extend below the gum. Assessment determines how much tooth remains and whether the nerve is affected.
- Provided by Dr Shruti Biyani, Principal Dentist
- 3/54 Nullarbor Avenue, Franklin ACT 2913
- HICAPS on-the-spot claiming
How we assess whether it's right for you
- Examination of the fracture line and remaining tooth structure
- Nerve testing and X-ray where the break is deep
- Check for cuts to lips, cheeks or tongue after trauma
Suitability is decided after an examination, not from a photograph or a phone description. If a treatment is not right for you, your dentist will say so and set out what else is available.
What the process involves
1. Stabilise
Sharp edges are smoothed and any exposed dentine covered to reduce sensitivity.
2. Restore
Composite bonding, a crown or an onlay is used depending on how much tooth is missing.
3. Review
The nerve is monitored, as symptoms can develop weeks after trauma.
Risks and limitations
- A tooth that has been traumatised can lose vitality later and need root canal treatment.
- Bonded repairs can chip or stain over time and may need replacement.
- Vertical fractures into the root often cannot be repaired and may require extraction.
Alternatives to consider
- Smoothing and monitoring for very small chips
- Crown or onlay for larger fractures
- Extraction with replacement planning where the tooth is unrestorable
Any dental procedure carries risks. This page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal advice. Outcomes vary between people, and suitability can only be determined after an examination by a registered dental practitioner.
What affects the cost
- Fees depend on the treatment actually required, and are confirmed in a written plan before treatment begins.
- Cost depends on whether a direct repair or a laboratory-made restoration is required.
- Health fund rebates vary by fund, level of cover and remaining annual limits. We can process claims on the spot with HICAPS where your fund supports it.
See fees and payment options for health funds, CDBS, DVA and payment plans.
Ready when you are
Book online in about a minute, or speak to reception if you would like to ask something first. No obligation to proceed with treatment at the first visit.
- Clinic
- 3/54 Nullarbor Avenue, Franklin ACT 2913
- Phone
- (02) 6274 0404
Before your appointment
What to bring
Your Medicare card, private health fund card, any concession or DVA card, and a list of medicines you take. If you have had recent X-rays elsewhere, bring them or tell us where they were taken.
How long it takes
Appointment length depends on what is found at the examination. Reception gives you an estimated time when you book, and your dentist confirms it once the plan is agreed.
Nervous patients
Tell reception when you book. Your dentist can explain each step before it happens, agree a stop signal with you, and break treatment into shorter visits.
Children and families
Family appointments can often be arranged back to back. Eligible children can be treated under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
Chipped or broken tooth — questions we're often asked
Is a chipped tooth urgent?
If there is pain, sharp edges or a large fracture, be seen promptly. Small painless chips can usually wait for a normal appointment.
Will the repair match my tooth?
Composite is shade-matched, though an exact match cannot be guaranteed, particularly on front teeth.
I knocked a tooth out — can it be replanted?
For adult teeth, replanting quickly gives the best chance. Keep the tooth moist in milk and call immediately.
From the blog
Related reading
- Payment and schemesChild Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) at Franklin Bright SmilesWhat the CDBS covers, how eligibility is checked and what happens if the benefit runs out mid-treatment.
- Payment and schemesDepartment of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) dental careHow DVA Gold and White Card arrangements work for dental treatment at the practice.
- Payment and schemesUsing your private health fund at Franklin Bright SmilesHow rebates, annual limits and on-the-spot claiming work, and how to check your cover before treatment.
Book an appointment
Book online at a time that suits you, or call reception on (02) 6274 0404 to talk it through first.