Question: What should I do if a filling breaks?
Explanation: A broken filling leaves a rough edge and exposes underlying dentine, sometimes trapping food and causing sensitivity. It is rarely a true emergency, but it should not be left indefinitely. The exposed dentine allows bacteria to reach deeper tooth structure, and decay progresses quickly beneath a fractured margin. Sharp edges can lacerate the tongue or cheek. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy provides short-term cover. Avoid chewing on that side. Book a dental appointment within a week or two, sooner if there is pain, swelling, or sensitivity that lingers.
Related Questions:
Is a broken filling an emergency?
Not usually. It becomes urgent if there is severe pain, swelling, or a sharp edge cutting the tongue. Otherwise it is an urgent-routine problem. Delaying for months, however, commonly turns a simple refill into a crown or a root canal.
Why do fillings break?
Amalgam and composite both fatigue under repeated chewing loads over years. Large fillings with thin surrounding walls are especially vulnerable. Grinding, chewing hard objects, and recurrent decay at the margin all contribute. A filling occupying more than half the tooth width is a candidate for a crown or onlay.
Can I use temporary filling material from a pharmacy?
Yes, as a short-term measure for a few days. It protects the exposed dentine and reduces sensitivity. It is not durable and does not seal against bacteria long term. Do not treat it as a permanent solution, and mention it to the dentist so it can be fully removed.
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