Broken filling: what to do and when to get help

• A rough, sharp or missing part of a filling.
• A hole, open cavity or food catching in the tooth.
• Sensitivity to cold, heat, sweet foods or chewing.
• Pain on biting or tenderness around the tooth.
• A loose piece of filling moving in the tooth.
• A sharp edge rubbing or cutting the tongue, lip or cheek.

1. 1Contact a dentist to arrange assessment.
2. 2Brush gently and keep the area clean without forcing brushes or floss into a painful cavity.
3. 3Avoid biting hard foods on the affected tooth.
4. 4Avoid foods or drinks that clearly trigger sensitivity.
5. 5If an open cavity is present, a pharmacy temporary filling or emergency repair material may help for a short time; follow the product instructions.
6. 6Use pain relief only if it is suitable for you and follow the packet instructions. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.

• Do not use household glue or non-dental adhesive.
• Do not push temporary material deeply into the tooth.
• Do not try to permanently repair the filling yourself.
• Do not place aspirin or any other medicine directly against the tooth or gum.
• Do not ignore swelling, fever, pus, bad taste, worsening pain or a sharp edge causing injury.

A broken filling may be non-urgent when pain is absent or manageable, but the tooth still needs assessment and symptoms can change.

• Severe or worsening tooth pain.
• Significant sensitivity affecting eating, drinking or sleep.
• Swelling, fever, pus, bad taste or feeling unwell.
• A sharp edge cutting the tongue, lip or cheek.
• Difficulty eating or closing the teeth together normally.
• The filling broke after an injury or the tooth may also be cracked or broken.

If you cannot access your own dentist and need urgent help, call NHS 111 or use 111 online. NHS 111 can advise the next step but does not guarantee an appointment.

A broken filling alone is not usually a medical emergency. Medical emergency care is for airway concerns, serious injury, heavy bleeding or severe swelling.

• Coughing, choking, breathing difficulty or concern a filling fragment was inhaled.
• Heavy mouth bleeding that will not stop.
• Serious face or jaw injury.
• Head or facial injury with loss of consciousness, vomiting or double vision.
• Severe swelling of the mouth, lips, throat or neck with breathing difficulty.

A dentist may examine the tooth, filling, bite, gums and nearby soft tissues. They may check for decay, fracture, exposed dentine, infection or a sharp edge.

Depending on assessment, treatment may include smoothing a rough edge, removing loose filling material, placing a temporary dressing, replacing the filling, treating decay, protecting the tooth, or discussing other options if the tooth cannot be restored.