Emergency Crown & Bridge Repair for North London Patients

You should seek an emergency appointment if you notice issues with your crown or bridge. If a crown comes off completely, it exposes the tooth, making it very sensitive to temperature and air. A broken or sharp edge on a crown or bridge may cut your tongue or cheek, requiring urgent attention. Likewise, a loose bridge risks further damage to the supporting teeth, so a check promptly is wise. For example, a patient from Highgate lost a front crown the day before a job interview; we fitted a temporary aesthetic crown that same day to restore confidence.

An emergency visit aims to relieve discomfort and protect the tooth. First, staff perform a quick assessment lasting about 15 to 20 minutes, sometimes with a digital X-ray to check the root and surrounding bone. If the crown remains intact and the tooth looks healthy, cleaning and re cementing the crown is possible. If the crown is lost or broken, or the tooth underneath has decay, a temporary fix is provided. This involves placing a temporary crown or smoothing a sharp edge, taking about 30 to 45 minutes. A follow up is arranged to create a new permanent restoration.

After a temporary crown or bridge, handle the area with care for a few days. For the first 24 hours avoid hard sticky or chewy foods on that side. Yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes are ideal. Some mild sensitivity is possible and should settle within a day or two. Keep the area clean by brushing gently and flossing carefully, pulling the floss to the side rather than lifting it up to avoid dislodging the temporary restoration. Red flags during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7): - If the temporary crown or bridge loosens or falls off - If there is severe, throbbing pain that does not improve - If the bite feels high or uncomfortable after the anaesthetic wears off For emergencies outside these hours, visit your local A&E or call NHS 111 for advice.

Sometimes the damage to the tooth under a crown or bridge is too extensive for a simple repair. In these cases we discuss long term alternatives. A common scenario is a tooth that fractures vertically. If the tooth cannot be saved, the best option is often an extraction followed by a dental implant. An implant provides a permanent, stable replacement that looks and functions like a natural tooth and has a success rate of over 95 percent over 10 years. Another option is a new longer span bridge, though this requires preparing adjacent healthy teeth. A removable partial denture is a budget friendly, non surgical option. We provide a full breakdown of the pros, cons, and costs of each choice.

To make an informed choice about your emergency care, whether with us or another practice in North London, ask these key questions: What is the cost for the emergency assessment and a temporary solution? How long can I expect the temporary crown or bridge to last? What is the full cost of the permanent replacement, including all appointments? Will you need to take new impressions or scans for the permanent restoration? What material do you recommend for the new crown or bridge and why? Do you accept private insurance plans like Denplan or Cigna for this treatment?

We believe in transparent pricing, especially in an emergency. An emergency assessment and temporary restoration at our Finchley practice typically costs between £150 and £250, depending on the complexity. This fee covers the initial examination, any necessary X-rays, and the placement of a temporary crown or re cementing your existing one. The cost of a permanent crown is separate and will be detailed in a full treatment plan. A recent patient from Barnet whose bridge broke found this clarity very helpful in planning finances. We are a private only practice and do not offer NHS treatment, but we do accept insurance from major providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment.