Lost Filling Repair in London
A lost filling exposes the inner structure of the tooth — dentine — which is much softer and more sensitive than enamel. While not always painful, an unprotected cavity can rapidly accumulate food debris, develop decay, and the tooth can fracture under chewing forces. A new filling restores the tooth and stops the damage progressing.
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
- →Rinse with warm salt water to clean the cavity.
- →Avoid hot, cold or sugary foods on that side.
- →A pharmacy temporary filling kit (containing zinc-oxide eugenol) can be used to plug the cavity for a few days while you arrange an appointment.
- →If pain is severe, take ibuprofen and/or paracetamol at recommended doses.
- →Book an appointment within a few days — sooner if the tooth is painful.
How We Treat Lost Filling Repair
Treatment is usually a new direct filling (white composite, or amalgam if appropriate). If decay extends deeply, an onlay, crown or even root canal treatment may be needed. We will examine the tooth and explain the options in writing before any work starts.
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:
- •Older fillings (particularly amalgam) wearing or cracking over years.
- •New decay developing around the edge of an existing filling.
- •Biting on something hard.
- •Tooth grinding (bruxism) loading the filling repeatedly.
- •A poorly bonded restoration de-bonding from the tooth.
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 and usually settles.
- ✓Avoid very hard or sticky foods on the new filling for 24 hours.
- ✓Brush and floss as normal — composite fillings can be flossed straight away.
- ✓Contact us if the filling feels too high when biting, or if pain persists beyond a couple of weeks.
If anything worries you between appointments, phone the clinic — we would much rather hear from you early than late.
Frequently Asked Questions
How urgent is a lost filling?
A painless lost filling is not strictly an emergency but should be addressed within a few days to prevent decay and fracture. Pain, sensitivity or sharp edges should be assessed promptly.
Can I leave a lost filling for a while?
A short delay (a few days) is usually fine if there is no pain. Longer delays risk decay progressing and the tooth fracturing — which can mean needing more extensive (and expensive) treatment.
Do pharmacy temporary filling kits work?
They can plug the cavity for a few days while you arrange an appointment. They are not a long-term solution and do not stop decay.
How much will 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.
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.
