BROKEN DOWN TEETH

BROKEN DOWN TEETH

Deep Margin Elevation

Deep Margin Elevation


Cracks in teeth are becoming increasingly common — often linked to stress-related habits like clenching or grinding (especially at night), or biting into something hard.


Cracks can allow bacteria to enter the nerve of the tooth, causing pain or infection. These cases are often more complex and require careful assessment.


Dr Kreena Patel will first investigate the extent of the crack using a microscope. If the crack is limited to the crown (the top part of the tooth), root canal treatment can often be carried out successfully.


A photograph will usually be taken through the microscope to show you how far the crack extends. From there, Kreena will explain your treatment options and discuss the likely success rate of saving your tooth.

Some teeth are referred to us as “unrestorable” — meaning the decay has extended too deep to reliably place a new filling or crown. But in many cases, we’re able to save these teeth using a technique called deep margin elevation (DME).


This involves carefully removing the old filling and placing a new restoration deeper into the tooth — using special techniques to ensure it is secure and well sealed.

We won’t know if DME is possible until the old filling has been removed and we can assess how much healthy tooth remains. If we’re able to place a well-sealed restoration, the tooth may still be suitable for root canal treatment and long-term restoration.


If DME isn’t an option, surgical crown lengthening may help expose more of the tooth — this is explained in the next section.

Dr Kreena Patel is often referred teeth that others consider unsalvageable — and she will always explore every option to help preserve your natural tooth wherever possible


Some teeth are referred to us as “unrestorable” — meaning the decay has extended too deep to reliably place a new filling or crown. But in many cases, we’re able to save these teeth using a technique called deep margin elevation (DME).


This involves carefully removing the old filling and placing a new restoration deeper into the tooth — using special techniques to ensure it is secure and well sealed.


We won’t know if DME is possible until the old filling has been removed and we can assess how much healthy tooth remains. If we’re able to place a well-sealed restoration, the tooth may still be suitable for root canal treatment and long-term restoration.

If DME isn’t an option, surgical crown lengthening may help expose more of the tooth — this is explained in the next section.

Dr Kreena Patel is often referred teeth that others consider unsalvageable — and she will always explore every option to help preserve your natural tooth wherever possible

Crown Lengthening (with Endodontics)

Crown Lengthening (with Endodontics)

From £850

From £850


Sometimes, a tooth has broken or decayed too far under the gum to fill properly. Crown lengthening gently reshapes the gum and bone to expose more of the tooth structure.This makes space for Kreena to place a secure, long-lasting filling — helping you avoid extraction. When needed, this is done alongside you root canal treatment.

Sometimes, a tooth has broken or decayed too far under the gum to fill properly. Crown lengthening gently reshapes the gum and bone to expose more of the tooth structure.This makes space for Kreena to place a secure, long-lasting filling — helping you avoid extraction. When needed, this is done alongside you root canal treatment.

BROKEN DOWN TEETH - CAN THEY BE SAVED?

BROKEN DOWN TEETH - CAN THEY BE SAVED?

Consultation

Consultation

From £150

From £150

Your first visit is a specialist consultation with Dr Kreena Patel. We’ll take the time to understand your symptoms, assess any previous treatment, and carry out a detailed clinical and radiographic examination. A small digital X-ray is usually taken, and if needed, we may recommend a 3D CBCT scan to investigate further (additional fee).


You’ll leave with a clear explanation of what’s going on, a discussion of all your treatment options, and an estimate of the success rate — so you can make an informed decision.

CBCT Scan (If needed)

From £175

From £175

A CBCT (cone beam CT) scan provides a detailed 3D image of your tooth and surrounding bone. It allows us to assess hidden canals, fractures, infection, or bone loss that are not always visible on regular X-rays.


This advanced imaging is especially helpful in complex or previously treated teeth, giving us the most accurate picture for diagnosis and treatment planning.


The scan itself is very quick — it takes just 30 seconds and is completely painless.

KREENA'S CASES

WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY

WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY

WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY

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Brigstock Dental Practice, South London

Oaktree Dental, Berkshire