Lost Filling Repair in Finchley | Same-Day Private Care

If a filling is lost, some signs require urgent care. Book a same-day appointment if you have sharp or spontaneous pain, which may mean the nerve is exposed. Strong sensitivity to hot, cold, or air that makes eating hard is another red flag. If the tooth edge is jagged and cuts your tongue or cheek, have it smoothed and repaired promptly. A recent patient from North Finchley lost a large filling and had a jagged edge; we saw them within two hours and placed a new composite filling to prevent further damage.

Your appointment usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes. We start with a gentle examination and may take a digital X-ray to check for decay or cracks that aren’t visible. Next we clean the cavity to remove debris and bacteria. We then apply a modern, tooth coloured composite resin in layers, curing each layer with a special light. Finally we shape and polish the filling so it fits your bite and feels natural. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel pain.

After the visit the anaesthetic wears off in 2 to 4 hours. You may have mild sensitivity to temperature for a few days. Once the numbness disappears you can eat and drink, but avoid very hard or sticky foods on that side for the first 24 hours. You can brush and floss as normal, just be gentle around the new filling initially. Most patients return to their usual routine right away. Red flags call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7): If you have persistent, severe pain that isn’t managed by over‑the‑counter painkillers, if the filling feels high and your bite is uneven after 24 hours, or if you experience an allergic reaction such as swelling or a rash.

Sometimes the lost filling points to a bigger problem. If there is extensive decay or a large piece of the tooth has fractured, a simple filling may not be strong enough. In these cases we might suggest an inlay, onlay, or a full crown. An inlay or onlay is a custom-made restoration, often from porcelain, that fits into the tooth like a puzzle piece and offers more strength than a filling. A crown covers the entire tooth for maximum protection. For example, a patient from Golders Green came in with a lost filling on a molar, and our 3D scan showed a hairline fracture. We recommended a crown to prevent the tooth from cracking and to protect its long-term health.

To choose wisely about your treatment, consider these questions whether you visit us or another practice in the Finchley area: What material do you recommend for the new filling and why? How long should this filling last with good care? Is there any underlying decay or damage that needs attention? What is the total cost for the examination, X-ray, and the new filling? Do you accept my dental insurance such as Denplan or Cigna?

The cost to replace a lost filling depends on the size and complexity of the restoration. A simple white composite filling typically costs between £150 and £300. This price covers the local anaesthetic and the procedure. An initial consultation and any necessary X-rays would be a separate fee. We provide a full breakdown of costs before starting treatment, ensuring transparency with no hidden fees. Our practice is private and does not offer NHS services, but we accept major insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna.