A painful cavity, a broken tooth or sudden sensitivity often needs an emergency filling to stop the pain and protect the tooth. Our emergency dentist in Great Yarmouth offers urgent, same-day appointments where clinically appropriate, placing a temporary or permanent filling to settle discomfort and prevent further damage or decay.
When you might need an emergency filling
- Sudden sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food and drink
- A visible hole or cavity in a tooth
- A broken or chipped tooth with a rough or sharp edge
- Food repeatedly getting trapped and causing pain
- An old filling that has fallen out or broken, leaving the tooth exposed
- Ongoing ache from untreated decay
Temporary and permanent fillings
At an emergency appointment, the dentist’s first aim is to relieve your pain and protect the tooth. Depending on what is found, this may mean placing a settling (temporary) filling to calm an irritated nerve, or a permanent filling in the same visit. If the decay is deep and the nerve is affected, you may need root canal treatment — we will explain this clearly, with costs, before starting.
What happens at your appointment
The dentist examines the tooth, sometimes with an x-ray, to check how deep the decay or damage goes. The area is numbed if needed, the decay is removed, and the tooth is filled and shaped so you can bite comfortably. You will be given advice on caring for the tooth and any follow-up treatment required.
Easing the pain before your visit
Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed, avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods, and chew on the other side. A pharmacy temporary filling kit can protect an exposed cavity for a short time, but it is not a substitute for seeing a dentist. Do not leave decay untreated, as it usually worsens.
Emergency filling — FAQs
Often yes. Call as early in the day as you can and we will arrange an urgent appointment where clinically appropriate.
What is the difference between a temporary and a permanent filling?
A temporary (settling) filling calms an irritated nerve and protects the tooth for a short time; a permanent filling is a longer-lasting restoration. The dentist will advise which is right for your tooth.
Does having a filling hurt?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic if needed, so the procedure should be comfortable.
My old filling fell out — is that the same thing?
It is closely related. If a filling or crown has come out, see our lost filling or crown page — the tooth should be seen promptly to protect it.
How much does an emergency filling cost?
The emergency appointment starts from £65, and the cost of any treatment is explained clearly before it begins.
