Dental Fillings Consultation in North Finchley

If you notice signs of tooth decay, book a consultation. The most common sign is sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. You might also have a sharp or ongoing toothache or see a visible dark spot or hole in your tooth. If an old filling feels loose, has fallen out, or you feel a rough edge with your tongue, that is another reason to check. It is best to address these issues early. A small cavity found during a routine check can often be treated in a single short appointment, preventing decay from reaching the tooth nerve and avoiding more complex treatment like a root canal.

Your appointment starts with a careful examination and may include a digital X ray to assess the extent of the decay. We will discuss the findings and confirm that a filling is the right option. The procedure is straightforward and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. First we numb the area with local anaesthetic so you feel no pain. Then the dentist removes the decay, cleans the tooth, and prepares it with a bonding gel. A tooth coloured composite resin is placed in layers, each layer cured with a blue light. Finally the filling is shaped and polished to match your bite and look natural.

After the appointment the anaesthetic wears off in 2 to 4 hours. Avoid hot drinks and chewing until sensation returns to prevent burns and biting your cheek. You may have mild sensitivity to temperature for a few days. You can eat and drink as normal once numbness subsides, but avoid very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours. Maintain good oral hygiene and a well cared for filling can last many years. Red flags to call during office hours are severe pain that does not respond to painkillers, the filling feeling high and your bite being uneven after a day, or sharp pain when biting after the initial sensitivity has settled.

While tooth coloured fillings are our standard for looks and strength, other options exist. For very large cavities a porcelain inlay or onlay might be better. These are custom made in a lab and bonded to the tooth, offering durability and a natural appearance. Amalgam (silver) fillings are another option, but they are less common now due to their metallic look and mercury content. During your consultation we will discuss these alternatives honestly so you can choose what fits your tooth, budget, and cosmetic goals.

As a private practice we provide clear upfront pricing. The cost for a composite filling depends on the size and location of the cavity. A small filling on a front tooth costs less than a large filling on a molar that requires more material and time. Prices typically range from £150 to £350 per tooth. This fee includes the local anaesthetic, decay removal, and the placement and polishing of the filling. We accept private dental insurance from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. You will receive a detailed treatment plan with all costs listed before any work begins, with no hidden fees.

To help you decide, consider asking these questions whether you choose us or another practice in North Finchley: what filling material do you recommend and why; how long will the filling last with good care; what is the total cost and does it include the consultation and any necessary X rays; is there any sensitivity after the procedure and how should it be managed; what signs indicate a replacement might be needed; do you offer payment plans or accept my insurance.