Symptoms, explained
A chipped or broken tooth: more can be saved than you think
A chip or break needs assessment even if it is not painful. The depth of damage, the tooth’s condition and any injury to the surrounding tissues affect the options. If you find a broken piece, keep it in milk and bring it with you.
This page can’t diagnose you. Similar symptoms can have different causes. A dentist uses your history, an examination and any appropriate tests to explain what is happening and what care you need.
Toothache right now? Call reception to check the next available appointment.
Call nowGo to an emergency department NOW — don’t wait for us — if you have: difficulty swallowing or breathing, swelling under the tongue or into the neck, an eye swelling shut, or fast-spreading facial swelling with fever. If the tooth broke in a fall or a blow: any sign of a head injury, or a jaw that won’t close or line up properly, means hospital first — teeth second. And a whole adult tooth knocked right out is time-critical: get emergency care immediately.
A small chip or rough edge
A small break may be repairable, but no pain does not prove that the injury is minor. Tell reception when it happened and whether the tooth is loose, sensitive or painful.
- Depending on the damage, smoothing, reattaching a fragment or a tooth-coloured filling may be suitable.
What you should do
Contact reception to arrange an assessment and describe your symptoms. Ask how soon you should be seen; new swelling, severe pain or an injury needs urgent advice.
A larger or sensitive break
Sensitivity can happen when a deeper layer is exposed, but an examination is needed to establish the depth and pulp condition. Avoid chewing on the tooth while you arrange advice.
- A filling may restore a suitable break.
- A crown or other restoration may be considered when more protection is needed.
What you should do
Contact reception to arrange an assessment and describe your symptoms. Ask how soon you should be seen; new swelling, severe pain or an injury needs urgent advice.
A corner breaks from a tooth with a filling
The remaining tooth and any cracks need assessment. The size of the old filling alone does not determine whether the tooth can be saved.
- A crown may be an option for a restorable tooth.
- Root canal treatment may be needed if the pulp is affected and the tooth is suitable to preserve. (Root canal: from R3,500)
What you should do
Contact reception to arrange an assessment and describe your symptoms. Ask how soon you should be seen; new swelling, severe pain or an injury needs urgent advice.
A filling or crown comes off
Keep a lost crown and bring it with you. Do not use household glue. The dentist checks the tooth and restoration before deciding whether it can be refitted or needs replacing.
- A replacement crown may be needed if refitting is unsuitable.
- A lost filling may be replaced after the tooth is checked.
What you should do
Contact reception to arrange an assessment and describe your symptoms. Ask how soon you should be seen; new swelling, severe pain or an injury needs urgent advice.
A deep break, pink tissue or bleeding from the tooth
A deep break may expose the pulp or involve other injured tissue. Seek urgent dental assessment rather than testing or probing the area. Severe face or jaw injury and heavy bleeding need hospital emergency care.
- Pulp treatment or root canal treatment may help preserve a suitable tooth. (Root canal: from R3,500)
- A restoration may be needed to protect a tooth that can be repaired.
- If a tooth cannot be restored, extraction and replacement options are discussed.
What you should do
Contact reception for urgent dental assessment. If we are closed or cannot see you promptly, contact another available dentist. Do not wait for a WhatsApp reply if symptoms are worsening.
What it costs
We quote before we treat. Ask reception about consultation fees and your medical aid. Cover depends on your scheme, plan and available benefits; co-payments may apply. Confirm benefits and any required authorisation before treatment.
Displayed “from” prices are starting amounts for straightforward cases, not the total cost of every treatment plan. After assessment, ask for an itemised quote confirming any consultation, retreatment and final restoration needed.
On a medical aid? Understand medical aid and treatment quotes — then check your plan’s benefits and any authorisation with your scheme. A benefit check is not a guarantee of payment.
Related dental guides
Sources for this guide
General patient information supports this guide. Your dentist assesses your own symptoms, treatment and aftercare; overseas service numbers and payment rules do not apply here.
Not sure which pattern is yours?
Tell reception what you’re feeling and ask for an appointment. Reception confirms availability and your date and time. After-hours messages are reviewed when the practice reopens; urgent symptoms should not wait for a reply.