Lost filling: what to do and when it is urgent

• A hole, open cavity or rough area where the filling used to be.
• A piece of filling has come loose or fallen out.
• Sensitivity to cold, heat, sweet foods or chewing.
• Food catching in the tooth.
• A sharp edge rubbing the tongue, lip or cheek.
• Pain on biting or tenderness around the tooth.

When a filling is lost, the tooth underneath may be exposed. The area can collect food, react to temperature or sweetness, and become tender when you bite.

Sensitivity does not prove the cause. The filling may have failed because of wear, fracture, decay or a bite problem, so dental assessment is needed.

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. 5Use pain relief only if it is suitable for you and follow the packet instructions. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.
6. 6Seek urgent dental help if pain is severe, worsening, linked with swelling or fever, or affecting eating or sleep.

A pharmacy temporary filling or emergency repair material may help cover an open cavity for a short time while you arrange dental care. It is not a permanent repair and does not treat decay, infection or a crack.

• Follow the product instructions.
• Do not push material deeply into the tooth.
• Do not use household glue or non-dental adhesive.
• Do not try to permanently repair the tooth yourself.
• Stop using the product and seek advice if it increases pain or irritation.

A lost filling may be less urgent when there is little or no pain, but symptoms can change and the tooth still needs assessment.

• Severe or worsening tooth pain.
• Significant sensitivity that affects eating, drinking or sleep.
• Swelling, fever, pus, a bad taste or feeling unwell.
• A sharp edge cutting the tongue, lip or cheek.
• Difficulty eating or closing the teeth together normally.
• The filling was lost after an injury or the tooth may also be 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 routine lost filling alone is not a 999 emergency. Medical emergency care is for wider injury or airway concerns.

• 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 area, bite, nearby gums and soft tissues. They may check whether the tooth is cracked, decayed, infected or sensitive because dentine is exposed.

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

• Do not use household glue or non-dental adhesive.
• Do not push temporary material deeply into the tooth.
• Do not put aspirin or any medicine directly against the tooth or gum.
• Do not assume temporary material treats decay, infection or a crack.
• Do not ignore worsening pain, swelling, fever, pus or a bad taste.
• Do not treat every lost filling as a medical emergency, but do not delay urgent help if red flags appear.