Emergency Crown & Bridge Appointments for Barnet Patients

It's important to know when a crown or bridge issue needs immediate attention. You should book an emergency appointment if you're experiencing any of the following. If a crown has fallen out completely, the underlying tooth is exposed and vulnerable to damage or decay. Similarly, a loose crown can trap bacteria and food, leading to infection. A cracked or broken bridge compromises the stability of adjacent teeth and can make chewing difficult and painful. Any sharp pain or sensitivity from the tooth after a crown or bridge comes loose is a clear sign you need to be seen quickly. We set aside time each day for urgent cases like these for patients across North London, including Barnet.

When you arrive from Barnet for your emergency appointment, our immediate focus is your comfort and protecting your tooth. First, Dr. Reddy will conduct a 30-minute assessment to examine the tooth and the restoration, if you still have it. We'll take digital X-rays to check for underlying damage to the tooth root or surrounding bone. Next, we will clean the area and, if possible, re-cement the original crown as a temporary measure. If the crown is lost or damaged, or if it's a broken bridge, we will create and fit a temporary restoration. This protects the tooth from sensitivity and damage. Finally, we'll discuss the next steps for a permanent solution, which might be a new, custom-made crown or bridge. You'll leave the same day with a functional, temporary fix.

While you wait for your appointment, there are a few things you can do. If your crown has fallen off, keep it in a safe, clean container and bring it with you. Do not try to re-glue it yourself with household adhesives, as this can damage the tooth and the crown. You can buy temporary dental cement from a pharmacy to cover the tooth if it's sensitive. Keep the area clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and stick to soft foods. If a broken bridge has sharp edges, you can cover them with sugar-free chewing gum or orthodontic wax to protect your tongue and cheek.

After we've fitted a temporary crown or recemented your old one, you'll need to be careful until your permanent restoration is ready. For the first 24 hours, avoid eating hard, sticky, or chewy foods on that side of your mouth. Examples include toffee, hard-boiled sweets, and crusty bread. When cleaning your teeth, brush gently around the temporary restoration and avoid pulling floss up directly instead, slide it out to the side to prevent dislodging the temporary. Some mild sensitivity is normal but should fade within a few days. Red flags call during office hours Mon Wed Fri 9 5 and Tue Thu 11 7: If the temporary crown or bridge comes loose If you experience continuous throbbing pain If the bite feels uneven or uncomfortable after 24 hours.

If your original crown is intact and the underlying tooth is healthy, we can often permanently recement it. This is the fastest and most cost effective solution. However, if the crown is old, damaged, or there's decay in the tooth, a new crown will be required. A new crown, made with our CAD/CAM technology, offers a precise fit and excellent aesthetics. For a broken bridge, a new bridge or dental implants are the primary long term alternatives. An implant is a standalone solution that doesn't rely on neighbouring teeth for support and helps preserve jawbone. During your consultation, we'll explain the pros and cons of each choice for your specific situation.

To make an informed choice about your treatment, whether it's with our practice in Finchley or another clinic, here are some important questions to ask: What is the total cost for the emergency visit and the temporary solution What are the separate costs for the permanent options like a new crown or bridge How long is the permanent restoration expected to last What material do you recommend for the new crown or bridge and why Do you offer any payment plans or accept dental insurance like Denplan or Cigna What is the timeline for fitting the permanent restoration

As a fully private practice, we don't offer NHS services. The cost for an emergency assessment and temporary fix will be quoted upfront. If a new crown or bridge is needed, prices will vary based on the material chosen such as porcelain or zirconia and the complexity of the case. For example a single new crown is typically in the range of £700-£1200. We believe in full transparency, so you will receive a detailed treatment plan with all costs clearly broken down before any work begins. We accept major insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna which can help cover the cost of your treatment.