Emergency Dental Crown Repair for Barnet Patients

First, stay calm. Locate the crown and keep it in a clean container. Call 0203 488 0335 to book an emergency slot. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean. If the tooth underneath feels sensitive, place a small amount of dental wax over it as a temporary measure. Do not reattach the crown with household glue; this damages the tooth and crown and makes a repair harder. Getting professional help within 24 to 48 hours reduces the risk of infection or further damage.

The emergency visit lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. We begin by assessing the situation, examining the crown and the tooth beneath for decay or fractures, and taking a digital x‑ray to check the root. If the crown is intact and the tooth is healthy, we may simply clean both surfaces and re cement the crown. If the crown is broken or there is decay, we discuss making a new crown. A recent patient from High Barnet arrived with a molar crown and we managed to recement it the same day because the tooth was undamaged. For more complex cases such as a broken front crown, we fit a temporary restoration for aesthetics while the lab or CAD/CAM system creates a permanent, colour‑matched replacement.

After the crown is recemented or a new one is placed, be careful for the first 24 hours while the cement sets. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods on that side. It is normal to have mild sensitivity or gum tenderness for a few days, which you can manage with over‑the‑counter pain relief like ibuprofen. Brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the new crown for the first day. In the long term, a well‑cared‑for crown can last 10 to 15 years. Red flags during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9–5, Tue/Thu 11–7) are: the crown feels loose or high or your bite feels off, severe pain that does not improve after 2–3 days, swelling in the gums around the crown, or the crown falls off again.

We price transparently during an emergency. The cost depends on the required treatment. Recementing an existing crown is the simplest option and has a fixed fee. If a new crown is needed, the cost is higher and depends on the material chosen (porcelain, zirconia). A new dental crown at our practice is a significant investment in restoring your tooth's function and appearance. We are a private dental practice and do not offer NHS treatment, but we accept major insurance plans including Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa. We provide a clear, itemised treatment plan with all costs before starting any work.

To help you choose, whether you visit us or another practice in the Barnet area, consider these key questions: Can my existing crown be saved and recemented, or do I need a new one? What are the costs for recementing versus a new crown? What material do you recommend for a new crown and why? How long will treatment take, and how many visits are required? Is there any underlying damage to the tooth that needs addressing first? What is the long‑term success rate for this procedure?