Lost Filling Repair in East Finchley: Same-Day Appointments

Book an appointment as soon as you notice a filling has come out. The tooth is weakened and exposed even if there is no pain. Seek prompt care if you have sharp pain when eating or drinking, see a visible hole or crack, feel a sharp edge on the tooth, or have a persistent toothache. A quick response prevents bacteria from reaching the tooth and may avoid a more complex issue like an infection requiring root canal treatment. We reserve emergency slots daily for East Finchley patients and nearby areas to address these problems.

First, a 30 minute assessment begins with a one to check the tooth and any extra damage. We may take a digital X-ray to look for decay beneath the old filling. Next, we numb the area with local anaesthetic for comfort. The dentist then removes debris or decay from the cavity. Finally, a new tooth coloured composite filling is placed in layers and cured with a special light. The whole treatment usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes, and you leave with a smooth, restored tooth. For example, a recent East Finchley patient arrived with a lost molar filling. The procedure took 45 minutes and they could eat comfortably that evening.

After the filling is placed, the numbness wears off in 2 to 4 hours. You may have mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days. You can eat and drink straight away, but avoid very hard or sticky foods on that side for the first 24 hours. Brush and floss as usual. If you have severe pain, a high bite that feels wrong after a day, or sensitivity lasting longer than two weeks, call us. Red flags during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9 to 5, Tue/Thu 11 to 7) include increasing pain after the first 48 hours, a loose filling, or sharp pain when biting.

The cost to replace a lost filling depends on the cavity size and material used. We use high quality tooth coloured composite resin for a natural look. Before treatment, we provide a full, transparent quote with no hidden fees so you can decide with confidence. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services, but we accept several dental insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team helps you understand your coverage. Replacing a filling now helps avoid more expensive treatments later.

While a new filling is the common choice, other options can suit certain cases. Dental Crown: If the tooth has a large cavity or is structurally weakened, a crown provides greater strength and protection, though it costs more. Inlay or Onlay: These are custom pieces, often ceramic, that fit into the tooth like a puzzle and offer durability between a filling and a crown. We will discuss the best long term solution for your situation at your consultation.

To choose what fits you, consider these questions for any dentist whether at our practice or elsewhere in North London. What material will you use for the new filling and why? How long can I expect this filling to last? Is there any sign of cracking or further decay in the tooth? Does the quoted price include the examination, X ray, and the final filling? Are there alternatives that might be better for my tooth in the long term? What are the signs of a problem with the new filling I should watch for?