Lost Filling Repair for West Finchley Patients

If you've just lost a filling, the first step is to call us to book an urgent appointment. While you wait to be seen, there are a few things you can do to manage the situation. First, remove the lost filling from your mouth to avoid swallowing it. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area. If you're experiencing pain, you can take over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the packet instructions. Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth and stick to soft foods. You can buy temporary dental cement from a pharmacy to cover the cavity, but this is only a very short-term measure until you can see a dentist.

Your emergency appointment will typically last between 30 and 60 minutes. First, we'll assess the tooth to understand why the filling came out and check for any underlying decay or cracks. We'll take a digital x-ray if needed to see the full picture. Next, we'll clean the cavity thoroughly to remove any debris and bacteria. Finally, we'll place a new, durable filling. For a patient from West Finchley recently, we replaced a lost filling in a molar with a tooth-coloured composite material in a single 45-minute visit. They were able to eat comfortably again that same evening. We'll always discuss the best material for your specific tooth, whether it's a white composite filling or a stronger material for a back tooth.

Sometimes, a lost filling reveals a bigger problem. If a large part of the tooth structure is missing or there's significant decay, a standard filling may not be strong enough. In these cases, we'll discuss longer-lasting options. An inlay or onlay is a custom-made restoration that fits into the tooth like a puzzle piece, offering more strength. If the tooth is severely weakened, a full dental crown might be the best option to protect it from fracturing. For example, a patient came to us after a filling fell out, and our examination revealed a hairline crack. We recommended a crown to prevent the tooth from splitting, securing its long-term health. We'll explain all your options, including costs and benefits, so you can make an informed choice.

After your new filling is placed, your tooth may feel a little sensitive to hot or cold for a few days, which is completely normal. This should settle down within a week. You can eat and drink straight away with modern white fillings. It's important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing to prolong the life of your new restoration. Composite fillings typically last 5-7 years with proper care. Red flags requiring attention: Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience a severe, throbbing toothache, if your bite feels 'high' or uneven after 24 hours, or if the initial sensitivity gets worse instead of better. For severe pain or swelling outside of our hours, call NHS 111 for advice.

The cost to replace a lost filling depends on the size of the cavity and the material used for the new filling. We are a fully private practice and do not offer NHS services. A simple composite (white) filling replacement will have a different fee from a larger restoration or a crown. We will provide a clear, itemised treatment plan with all costs explained before we begin any work. There are no hidden fees. We accept several private insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover part or all of your emergency treatment. Our team can help you understand your coverage.

To ensure you're getting the right care, whether at our Finchley practice or another clinic, here are some important questions to ask: Why do you think my original filling failed? What material are you recommending for the new filling and why? How long can I expect this new filling to last? Is there any sign of deeper decay or cracks in the tooth? What is the total cost for the assessment and the new filling? Are there any alternative treatment options I should consider, like a crown?