Lost Filling Repair in Finchley Central | Same-Day Appointments

A missing filling signals that the tooth needs care right away. The exposed dentin is sensitive and prone to decay. Seek urgent treatment if you have sharp pain when eating or drinking, constant sensitivity to temperature, or a rough edge you can feel with your tongue. Ignoring this may trap food, speed decay, or weaken the tooth and cause a fracture. A quick visit to our Finchley practice helps prevent a simple refill from becoming a bigger problem such as a root canal or extraction.

Our emergency visits are designed to be efficient and reassuring. First we examine the tooth to understand why the filling came out and to assess the remaining structure. This initial check lasts about 15 minutes. Next we might take a digital X-ray to look for decay beneath the old filling. Then we discuss the best way to restore your tooth. Most cases involve a new composite filling, a procedure that takes about 30 to 45 minutes under local anesthesia. Finally we give aftercare advice. If damage is more extensive, we explain options such as an inlay or crown and place a temporary restoration to protect the tooth.

After the new filling is placed, the local anesthesia wears off in 2 to 4 hours. You might have mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days. We advise avoiding chewing on the new filling for the first 24 hours to let it fully harden. You can manage mild discomfort with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe pain, if the filling feels high when you bite down, or if you notice a sharp edge. For genuine emergencies outside of our hours, please call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

Sometimes a missing filling reveals a larger problem. If there isn't enough healthy tooth structure left for a direct filling, we'll discuss other options. An inlay or onlay is a good option for larger cavities. These are custom made restorations crafted from porcelain or composite in a lab and then bonded to your tooth, offering strong durability. They typically require two visits. A dental crown is the best solution when a significant portion of the tooth is lost or cracked. The crown covers the entire tooth, protecting it from further fracture. This provides the greatest strength and lasts 15+ years with good care. We will explain the pros and cons of each option for your situation.

To help you make an informed choice about treatment, ask these questions at our Finchley practice or with another provider: 1) What material do you recommend for the new filling and why? 2) Was the filling removed because of new decay or another issue? 3) What is the total cost for the examination, X-ray, and the new filling? 4) How long should this replacement filling last? 5) Is there a risk the tooth will need more extensive treatment in the future, such as a crown? 6) Do you accept Denplan or Cigna insurance?

As a private practice we provide clear pricing with no hidden fees. The cost of replacing a lost filling depends on the size of the cavity and the material used. A simple composite filling costs less than a larger restoration like a crown. During your emergency appointment, we will give you a detailed breakdown of all costs before treatment begins. We accept major private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment so we can help with paperwork.