Broken or Loose Dental Fillings

Broken or loose dental fillings are rarely considered an emergency, but because they can be painful we treat it as an emergency dental visit. The pain you experience is often due to exposed tooth tissue that is sensitive to pressure, air, or hot and cold temperatures.

Steps to Take If You Have Broken or Loose Dental Fillings

If you have broken or loose dental fillings you should call your dentist as soon as possible. Don’t wait too long. Having broken or loose dental fillings may allow debris and saliva to seep down between the filling and the tooth, which can lead to tooth decay. Over time, worn-out dental fillings can let in bacteria and lead to further decay. Consequently, this can infect the dental pulp (which contains the tooth’s nerves and blood supply), which often results in the need for a root canal treatment or possibly the loss of the tooth.

Before you see your dentist, you can put dental cement directly on the tooth surface. This will help to protect the area until you’re able to see your dentist.

Treatment for Broken or Loose Dental Fillings

For broken or loose dental fillings, Dr. Klemann will remove the decay that developed between the old filling and the tooth and place a new filling. If you have a large area of decay in the tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental crown.

Emergency Treatment for Broken or Loose Dental Fillings

If you are experiencing pain from broken or loose dental fillings, call Distinctive Dentistry in Clackamas at (503) 698-4884 to schedule an appointment.

Broken or Loose Dental Fillings FAQs

How do dental fillings get damaged?

Dental fillings can get damaged for various reasons, including:

Tooth decay due to a lack of proper oral hygiene
Trauma (e.g., an accident, or a punch or blow to the tooth)
Teeth grinding or clenching
Nail-biting
Allergic reaction to filling material (e.g., mercury, amalgam, silver)
Constant use, eating, biting, and chewing deteriorates fillings
Age of filling, wear and tear causes weakness in fillings
Chewing on hard foods like carrots, hard candies, nuts, or ice
Large fillings compromise tooth strength and increase the risk of tooth fracture
Filling materials may experience a wider degree of expansion and contraction and thus lead to a higher incidence of cracks and fractures

How do you know if you have a broken or loose dental filling?

A well-fitted dental filling lies in place. In contrast, a broken or loose dental filling does not stay grounded in place, so the patient may experience the following:

Pain that is throbbing, aching, or even sharp.
Tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold liquids or food.
Tooth sensitivity to air and pressure.
Tooth sensitivity to sweet, sugary foods.
Filling interferes with bite.
Pain when your teeth touch, likely caused by the touching of two different metal surfaces.
Change in texture or position of filling.

How can you prevent broken or loose dental fillings?

Regular check-ups with your dentist can help prevent the need for an emergent dental visit for broken or loose dental fillings. During your check-up, your dentist will

Check for weaknesses or worn spots around the filling’s edge.
Check if the dental filling is sealed to the tooth.
Check if the dental filling needs replacement.
Order dental x-rays to detect decay under existing dental fillings or between teeth.

If the results of your dental exam and x-rays show evidence that a filling has failed or detects decay, the dental filling should be replaced promptly. Don’t wait for the tooth to hurt or the filling to crack and break before you get treatment. Early detection and treatment can minimize the need for extensive and costly procedures.