Mon - Fri: 08:00 am to 3:00 pm

Contact Info

© Georgetowntxdentist 2023, All Rights Reserved.

How To Deal With a Broken Tooth Fillings

Dealing with a Broken Tooth Fillings

At HQ Dental Design, we specialize in restoring smiles affected by Broken Tooth Filling. Call us at (512) 863-7561 to schedule your appointment today!

A brilliant smile may brighten a space, but small problems reduce the radiance when tooth fillings break down. Broken tooth fillings can be annoying and challenging to treat, and they are an unexpected dental problem that has to be addressed right away.

Tooth decay, improperly placed fillings, grinding or clenching teeth, and chewing hard foods are some of the causes. Even though a broken filing might not seem like a big deal, it is crucial to have it fixed right away to stop additional tooth damage and to minimize pain and discomfort

Know About Broken Tooth Fillings



One common dental procedure for repairing teeth that have been damaged or impacted by decay is tooth fillings. Usually, materials like porcelain, composite resin, or amalgam are used to make them. Although they are flexible, fillings can break for a variety of reasons. In general, there are two types of broken tooth fillings:

  • Fillings with tiny chips or cracks: Despite having a tiny chip or crack, these fillings continue to work normally. It is essential to see a dentist as soon as possible to get this type of damaged filling replaced, even if it is usually not painful.

  • Missing or loosened fillings: These fillings are loose from the tooth or completely fallen out. A fractured filling of this type can be painful and increase the tooth's sensitivity to infection and decay.

Signs and Symptoms Of Broken Tooth Fillings



The severity of the break can affect the symptoms of a fractured tooth filling. Common signs of broken tooth fillings include the following:

  • ● Acute, dull, or pulsing pain are all possible.
  • ● Sensitive teeth to both cold and hot foods
  • ● Sensitive teeth to both cold and hot foods
  • ● Unease during biting or eating.
  • ● A chipped or loose filling.
  • ● A Tooth gap.
  • ● Small pieces of food get stuck in the teeth.

Reasons For Broken Tooth Fillings



  • Normal wear and tear: By eating, grinding, and other daily activities, dental fillings can break down over time.
  • Biting on hard objects: A damaged filling may happen from chewing on hard items like ice, almonds, or even pen caps.
  • Unexpected trauma: Oral traumas or accidents can damage or remove existing fillings.
  • Tooth decay: If there is decay around the tooth, it could weaken the filling and cause structural harm.
  • Bruxism: often known as teeth grinding, is a disorder where people grind their teeth unconsciously. Fillings may experience extreme stress as a result, breaking.

Quick Action to Take


As soon as you realize you have a broken tooth fillings, you should act quickly.

  • Rinse your mouth: Use warm saltwater to gently rinse your mouth to help clean the area around it.
  • Steer clear of extreme temperatures: Steer clear of extremely hot or cold foods and drinks to lessen sensitivity.
  • Temporary dental filling: Until you can visit a dentist, you can use over-the-counter dental cement as a stopgap measure. In addition to reducing pain and suffering, this helps protect the tooth from further harm.

How to Fix a Broken Dental Filling



The location of the filling and the extent of the break determine the best course of action for treating a damaged tooth filling.

Change and refill

  • ● In certain situations, the dentist might only be able to replace the filling. Should the fracture be sufficiently large, the dentist could have to extract the filling and install a new one.

  • ● The filling can be restored with composite resin if it is only slightly chipped. Conversely, if the tooth is broken or the filling is badly cracked.

  • ● The dentist will give you instructions on how to take care of your tooth and prevent future fillings from breaking once the filling has been repaired or replaced.

  • Root canal: The dentist may need to perform a root canal procedure to restore the tooth if the filling fractures in a way that exposes the tooth's dentin or pulp.

Expectations for a Broken Tooth Fillings at the Dentist



  • Make an appointment: They can determine the extent of the damage and guide the best course of action as soon as you find a damaged tooth filling.

  • Evaluation and X-rays: The dentist may use X-rays or CT scans to determine the condition of the tooth and surrounding structures. This will help them identify the underlying cause of the damaged filling and create a plan of care.

  • Repairing or Replacing: The dentist may administer a local anesthetic to numb the area before filling, repairing, or replacing if you are unable to tolerate the pain. Depending on the degree of damage, the filling may be replaced or repaired.

Georgetowntxdentist

Leave A Comment