Lost a Filling? What to Do Until Your Appointment

If you have a lost filling, keep the tooth clean, avoid chewing on that side and book a dentist appointment within a few days. When there’s little or no pain it isn’t usually an emergency, but the exposed tooth is more likely to decay, crack or become sensitive the longer it’s left.

If you have severe pain or swelling, check what counts as a dental emergency first. Otherwise, here’s how to look after the tooth until your appointment.

What to do straight away

1. Take any loose pieces of filling out of your mouth. Old fillings usually can’t be reused, but it’s fine to bring them in.
2. Rinse with warm salty water to clear any debris.
3. Gently brush the tooth and floss either side, as food can pack into the hole.
4. Check for a sharp edge or a broken piece of tooth. Keep any piece of tooth in milk or saline and bring it with you.
5. Call to book an appointment.

If you think you swallowed the filling, try not to worry. A small piece usually passes through the body without causing harm.

Protecting the tooth until your appointment

• Temporary filling material. Pharmacies sell over-the-counter dental repair kits. Following the instructions, press a small amount into the clean, dry hole and bite gently to shape it. This is a short-term cover that may last a few days, not a replacement for a proper filling.
• Dental wax can cover a sharp edge that’s rubbing on your tongue or cheek.
• Chew on the other side and avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods such as nuts, toffee and crusty bread.
• Go easy on sugar. Sweet drinks and snacks can feed decay in the exposed tooth and set off sensitivity.
• Choose lukewarm food and drinks if the tooth reacts to hot or cold.
• Keep brushing twice a day, and try a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

Don’t use superglue or household products to fill the hole, and don’t put aspirin on the gum, as it can burn the tissue.

Managing pain and sensitivity

Some sensitivity is common once a filling falls out, because the softer layer under the enamel (dentine) is exposed. For discomfort, try over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, taken as directed on the pack, if it’s safe for you. A cold pack wrapped in a cloth against the outside of the cheek may also help if the area aches.

Pain that throbs, lingers after hot or cold, wakes you at night or comes with swelling suggests the nerve may be inflamed or infected. That needs to be seen urgently rather than in a few days. We aim to see urgent problems as soon as possible, often on the same day, so call our emergency dentist in North Sydney.

When to go to hospital

A missing filling on its own is rarely a hospital problem. However, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading to the eye, neck or floor of the mouth, bleeding that won’t stop after 15–20 minutes of firm pressure, a possible broken jaw, or a knock to the head with loss of consciousness, vomiting or confusion. Out of hours, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24/7 nurse advice.

Why do fillings fall out?

• New decay around the edge of an older filling, which undermines it
• Wear and age, as fillings gradually break down after years of chewing
• Biting on something hard, such as ice, a popcorn kernel or a bone
• Grinding or clenching, which puts extra stress on fillings and teeth
• A crack in the tooth next to the filling
• A large filling in a tooth that has lost a lot of its structure and may need more support than a filling can give

Knowing the cause helps your dentist choose a repair that’s more likely to last. It’s also why a dentist will check the tooth rather than simply topping up the hole.

What happens at your lost filling appointment?

At our North Sydney practice, your dentist will examine the tooth, check for decay and cracks, and may take an X-ray. Depending on what they find, treatment may involve:

• removing any decay and placing a new tooth-coloured filling, if enough healthy tooth remains
• an onlay or crown, if the tooth is heavily filled or cracked and needs more protection
• root canal therapy, if the nerve is inflamed or infected
• removing the tooth, if it can’t be saved

If you’d like to know more about how fillings are placed and which materials are used, read our article on getting a tooth filling. Your dentist will explain the options, likely costs and any risks before starting.

Cost depends on the size of the repair and what else the tooth needs. Health-fund rebates depend on your level of cover. See our price guide or ask about payment plans for larger treatment.

How to lower the risk of losing another filling

• Have regular check-ups so worn or leaking fillings can be repaired early.
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily.
• Avoid chewing ice, pens and hard lollies.
• Ask your dentist about a night guard if you grind your teeth.

Frequently asked questions

Need help now?

North Sydney Dentistry is at Level 1, Suite 102/71 Walker St, North Sydney, a two-minute walk from North Sydney station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and keep time aside for urgent problems where we can. Call (02) 8090 1108 or book online.

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.