Signs Your Tooth Needs Restoring

Pain, swelling and injuries belong to our urgent dental care pages, not this restorative symptoms section. NHS guidance says:

• See a dentist if toothache lasts over 2 days, painkillers do not ease it, or it comes with a high temperature, pain on biting, red gums, a bad taste or a swollen cheek or jaw.
• If you think you have a dental abscess, ask for an urgent dental appointment or contact NHS 111, which can also advise if you cannot reach a dentist.
• If a tooth is knocked out, even if you cannot find it, ask for an emergency dentist appointment.
• Call 999 or go to A&E, without driving yourself, if your eye area or neck swells, your mouth is very swollen, you find it hard to breathe, speak, swallow or open your mouth, or you have a painful eye or sudden eyesight problems.

At Deepcar Dental Care, an emergency appointment is from £30, excluding treatment.

A hole (cavity) or a white, brown or black spot can be a sign of decay. NHS advice is to see a dentist as soon as possible. Read what a hole in a tooth means.

A chipped, cracked or broken tooth (a fracture) is usually not serious, and NHS advice is to see a dentist. Read whether a badly broken-down tooth can be saved.

Worn-down teeth (wear) can cause increased sensitivity and should be checked by a dentist. NHS advice is to see one if you grind your teeth and have tooth damage or sensitive teeth. Read why worn teeth get shorter.

A cracked or lost filling, or one whose edge is breaking down (marginal breakdown), should be checked by a dentist. Read about old fillings that are failing.

A tooth that darkens or turns grey (discolouration) should be checked by a dentist. For injured teeth, NHS hospital guidance says colour change or increasing tenderness on biting may signal nerve problems or infection. Read about the causes of a dark or dead tooth.