Broken or Cracked Filling Pain in London
A broken or cracked filling can cause pain in several ways — exposed dentine causing sensitivity, food packing under the broken edge, bacteria getting under the filling and causing decay, or a cracked tooth underneath. Most can be repaired or replaced in a routine emergency appointment.
Flat £30 emergency assessment fee for everyone. X-rays (£20/image, £10 for members) and onward treatment quoted separately in writing before treatment.
What to Do Right Now
- →Avoid chewing on the affected side.
- →Rinse with warm salt water after meals to keep the area clean.
- →Use ibuprofen and/or paracetamol at recommended doses if needed.
- →A pharmacy temporary filling kit can plug the cavity for a few days while you arrange treatment.
- →Book an appointment within a few days — sooner if there is sharp or significant pain.
How We Treat Broken Filling Pain
Most cases are managed with a new filling (composite or amalgam). If decay has progressed under the old filling, a larger restoration, onlay or crown may be needed. If the underlying tooth is cracked or the nerve is involved, root canal treatment may be required. We will explain all options in writing before starting.
Cost & what is included
Emergency assessment is a flat £30 for everyone — this includes the clinical examination and pain triage. X-rays (charged at £20 per image, £10 for members) and any onward treatment are quoted separately and confirmed in writing before treatment goes ahead. We will explain options and prognosis honestly; you are free to take time to decide or to seek a second opinion.
Common Causes
Understanding what has caused the problem helps you take the right next step — and helps us choose the right treatment. The most frequent reasons we see in clinic are:
- •An older filling (particularly amalgam) cracking or wearing through.
- •New decay developing under or beside the filling.
- •A crack in the underlying tooth structure.
- •Tooth grinding (bruxism).
- •Biting on something unexpectedly hard.
Treatment Costs — Guide Prices
All prices below are guide prices for treatments most commonly needed for this kind of emergency. Your written treatment plan after the assessment will confirm the exact figure for your situation, before any treatment goes ahead. SPMD Dental Membership typically saves 50% on most dental treatments (terms apply).
| Treatment | Standard price | Member price |
|---|---|---|
Emergency dental assessment Flat £30 for everyone — examination + pain triage. | £30 | £30 |
Dental X-ray (per image) Only charged if clinically required. | £20 | £10 |
Composite filling Fee depends on size and location. | from £185 | from £92.50 |
Crown (porcelain / metal-ceramic) Per tooth. | from £995 | from £497.50 |
Root canal — molar Crown usually recommended afterwards. | from £895 | from £447.50 |
Emergency assessment is a flat £30 for everyone (this is the standard rate — the membership discount does not apply to the assessment itself). Multi-visit treatments (e.g. root canal + crown) are quoted together so you can see the full cost up front. We never start treatment without your written agreement.
After Your Appointment
You will leave with written aftercare specific to your treatment. As a general guide, the following points apply to most patients seen for this kind of emergency:
- ✓Mild cold sensitivity for a few days after a new filling is normal.
- ✓Avoid very hard or sticky foods on the new filling for 24 hours.
- ✓Brush and floss as normal.
- ✓Contact us if the filling feels too high or pain persists beyond two weeks.
If anything worries you between appointments, phone the clinic — we would much rather hear from you early than late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a broken filling cause toothache?
Yes. Sensitivity to cold, sweet or biting pressure is common. Persistent or severe pain may indicate that the nerve is irritated or that the underlying tooth is cracked.
How urgent is repair?
A painful broken filling should be assessed within 24–48 hours to prevent further damage. A painless broken filling can wait a few days but should not be left long-term.
Why has my filling broken?
Older fillings can wear or crack over time, particularly amalgam fillings in heavily loaded teeth. Biting on something hard, grinding or new decay around the edge are other common causes.
How much does a replacement filling cost?
A flat £30 emergency assessment fee applies. Composite fillings typically range from £150–£350 depending on size. A full written quote is provided before treatment starts.
Other Dental Emergencies
Looking for help with something else? See our other emergency dentist pages:
Need to be seen now?
Call the clinic nearest to you. Same-day emergency appointments are subject to clinical availability — we will give you the soonest realistic slot. Out of hours, NHS 111 can also help.
SPMD Medical & Dental is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). If at any point you are unhappy with your care, we welcome your feedback. Our complaints procedure is published on our website and a copy is available on request.
