A broken or chipped filling is common and usually not a true emergency, but the tooth underneath is now exposed, so it should be seen by a dentist soon before decay or sensitivity set in. Fillings do not last forever, and one can crack or partly break away when you bite something hard or as it ages. The good news is that in most cases you have a little time to arrange an appointment, provided you protect the tooth and watch for the few signs that mean you should act faster.
Key takeaways
- A broken filling is usually urgent enough to see soon, but not a middle of the night emergency.
- The exposed tooth is vulnerable to decay, sensitivity and further breakage.
- Keep the area clean, chew on the other side, and avoid hard or sticky foods.
- Severe pain, swelling or a sharp edge cutting your tongue means seek care sooner.
- Do not try to glue a filling back yourself.
Why fillings break
Fillings take years of biting force, temperature changes and wear. Over time they can weaken at the edges, and a hard bite on a nut, ice or an olive stone can be the final straw. Grinding and clenching add stress and shorten a filling's life, and decay can form underneath an old filling and undermine it. A broken filling is closely related to a cracked filling, and if a whole filling or crown comes away, our guide to a lost filling or crown is the companion piece.
What to do straight away
First, stay calm and check how the tooth feels. If there is a sharp edge, you can cover it temporarily with a piece of sugar free chewing gum or dental wax from a pharmacy to stop it rubbing your tongue or cheek. Rinse gently with warm water to clear any fragments, and if you find a hard piece, it may be part of the filling rather than the tooth. Keep chewing on the other side, avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods that can trigger sensitivity, and keep the area clean with gentle brushing.
What not to do
Do not attempt to repair the filling yourself with household glue or a shop bought kit as a long term fix, since these can trap bacteria and complicate proper treatment. Avoid poking the area repeatedly with your tongue or objects, which can worsen the damage. If you have pain, manage it with over the counter pain relief as directed rather than placing tablets like aspirin against the gum, which can burn the tissue.
How urgent is it?
| Situation | How soon to act |
|---|---|
| Small chip, no pain | Book within a week or so |
| Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet | See a dentist soon |
| Sharp edge cutting tongue or cheek | See a dentist soon, cover it meanwhile |
| Severe or throbbing pain | Seek prompt care |
| Swelling of the face or gum, fever | Seek urgent care |
What the dentist will do
Treatment depends on how much of the filling and tooth are affected. A small break can often be repaired with a new filling. A larger break may need a bigger restoration or a crown to protect what remains, and if decay has reached the nerve, a root canal may be needed. Your dentist will also look at why it broke, so if grinding is the cause a night guard may be suggested. For what a replacement visit is like, see getting a filling: what to expect, and if pain flares at night before your appointment, toothache at night has practical tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is a broken filling an emergency?
Usually not a true emergency, but it should be seen soon because the tooth is exposed. Severe pain, swelling or fever make it more urgent.
Can I wait to fix a broken filling?
A short wait to get an appointment is usually fine if there is no pain, but do not leave it long, as decay and sensitivity can develop quickly.
What can I put on a broken filling temporarily?
Dental wax or a piece of sugar free gum can cover a sharp edge. Pharmacy temporary filling material is a short term measure only, not a repair.
Why does my tooth hurt after a filling broke?
The exposed tooth may react to hot, cold or sweet, and a rough edge can irritate the tongue. Pain that is severe or throbbing suggests the nerve is involved.
Will I need a crown?
Sometimes. Small breaks are often refilled, while larger ones may need a crown to protect the tooth. Your dentist will advise after examining it.
The bottom line
A broken filling is a common hiccup rather than a crisis in most cases, but the exposed tooth should not be left for long. Protect it, keep it clean, avoid hard foods, and arrange to be seen, sooner if there is pain or swelling. The team at Lumi Dental can help you get it sorted, and you can see current options on our current deals page or book with a dentist in Melrose Park.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for personal dental advice. For advice about your own teeth, please see a dentist.
