Same-Day Lost Filling Repair in Finchley

First, don't panic. Call our practice at 0203 488 0335 to arrange an emergency assessment. While you wait, rinse gently with warm salt water to clean the area. If you have pain, take over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the side with the missing filling and eat soft foods. You can cover the hole temporarily with sugar-free chewing gum or a store-bought temporary filling kit, but this is a very short-term measure until you see us.

Your emergency appointment lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. We will examine the tooth to understand why the filling came out and check for decay or cracks. A small digital X-ray may be taken to see the bigger picture. We will numb the area with a local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable. Then we clean out any debris or decay from the cavity. Finally, we place a new filling, shape it to fit your bite, and harden it. We will check that it feels comfortable before you leave. A North Finchley patient recently had a lunchtime filling come out and we saw them the same afternoon, replacing it with a durable composite filling in under 45 minutes.

The best repair depends on the cavity size and the remaining tooth structure. For most cases, a direct white composite filling provides a strong, natural look. If the cavity is large or the tooth is weak, a simple filling might not be enough. In those cases we might suggest a ceramic inlay or onlay, which is a stronger restoration that offers more support. If a large part of the tooth is fractured with the filling, a full dental crown could be the best long-term option to prevent further breakage. We'll discuss all suitable options and their benefits during your appointment.

After the filling is placed, the local anaesthetic wears off in 2 to 4 hours. You may notice mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days. This usually settles on its own. You can eat and drink once the numbness ends, but avoid very hard or sticky foods on that side for the first 24 hours. You can brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the new filling at first. Red flags requiring a call include severe or throbbing toothache, a bite that feels high or uneven after a day, or sensitivity that worsens rather than improves. If you have severe pain, swelling, or fever outside of our hours, contact NHS 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

As a private practice, we provide clear pricing. The cost to replace a lost filling depends on the cavity size and the material used for the new restoration. A simple composite filling has a different cost from a larger ceramic onlay. During your emergency assessment, we will give you a detailed treatment plan and a full breakdown of costs before any work begins, so there are no hidden fees. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover part of your emergency treatment.

To make an informed choice about your treatment, whether with us or another practice in North London, here are important questions to ask: the reason the original filling came out, the material you recommend for the new filling and why, how long the new filling should last, the total cost including the assessment and X-ray, any alternatives if a simple filling is not suitable, and the signs that something is not right after treatment.