Lost or Broken Dental Filling in Markham, ON? Here’s What to Do

You’re enjoying a delicious meal, deep in conversation, when suddenly… CRUNCH! A strange, hard object is in your mouth. Your heart sinks as you realize: your dental filling has fallen out, or perhaps a tooth piece has broken off with it. Panic might start to set in – “What do I do now?” “Is this a serious emergency?” “Will my tooth be okay?” Take a deep breath. While a lost or broken dental filling is definitely something that needs prompt attention, it’s often manageable with the right immediate steps. At Bur Oak Dental, we understand that these unexpected moments can be stressful. Our goal is to equip you with clear, actionable information so you can confidently navigate this situation and know exactly when to seek professional care.

Think of us as your knowledgeable friend, explaining what’s happening and what to do next over a calming cup of coffee.

Understanding Your Dental Filling Emergency

Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly understand what a dental filling is and why its loss creates a problem.

What Exactly Is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling is essentially a restorative material used to fill a cavity or repair a tooth after decay has been removed.

Its purpose is to restore the tooth’s function, shape, and integrity, preventing further decay and protecting the sensitive inner layers.

Common materials include amalgam (silver), composite (tooth-colored resin), gold, or porcelain.

Dental fillings are incredibly durable, but they aren’t meant to last forever. They can eventually fail for several reasons:

Wear and Tear: Over years of chewing, biting, and grinding, fillings can simply wear down.
New Decay: Decay can form around the edges of an existing filling, weakening the tooth structure that holds it in place.
Trauma: A hard bite, an accident, or even grinding your teeth can put immense pressure on a filling, causing it to break or dislodge.
Expansion/Contraction: Temperature changes from hot and cold foods can cause filling materials to expand and contract, potentially loosening their bond over time.

When a filling is lost, it leaves an exposed area in your tooth where the filling once sat. This area, primarily the dentin, is far more vulnerable and sensitive than the enamel surface.

Why a Lost or Broken Filling Needs Attention NOW

A lost or broken filling isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a potential doorway for further dental problems.

When a filling is gone, the once-protected inner parts of your tooth, including the sensitive dentin and even the pulp (where the nerves are), are suddenly exposed to:

Extreme Sensitivity: Hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks can trigger sharp pains. This is because the dentin contains tiny tubules leading to the tooth’s nerve.
Food Trapping: The open cavity can easily collect food particles, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and leading to new decay.
Further Damage: The remaining tooth structure around the cavity might be weakened, making it prone to cracking or fracturing, especially if you accidentally bite down on it.
Infection Risk: If bacteria reach the pulp, it can lead to a painful infection, potentially requiring a root canal or even extraction.

Delaying professional treatment can escalate a relatively simple fix into a more complex, time-consuming, and costly procedure.

What might have been a straightforward new filling could, in a matter of days or weeks, turn into the need for a root canal or a crown.

Your Immediate 5-Step Emergency Protocol

Okay, you’ve lost a filling. Don’t panic! Here’s your actionable emergency plan to protect your tooth and manage any discomfort until you can see your dentist.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first and most important step is to remain calm. Panicking won’t help your tooth, but clear thinking will.

Locate the Filling (If Possible): If the filling came out in one piece, try to find it. Do not swallow it! You can gently clean it and place it in a small, clean container (like a pill bottle or plastic baggie). While it might not be reusable, your dentist might want to inspect it to understand why it failed.
Inspect Your Mouth: Gently feel the affected tooth with your tongue. Is there a sharp edge? Is there a large hole? This will help you understand the extent of the issue.

Step 2: Gently Cleanse Your Mouth

Keeping the area clean is crucial to prevent food particles from getting trapped and bacteria from accumulating.

Rinse with Warm Salt Water: Mix a half-teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swish the solution gently around your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat this several times.

Why it helps: Saltwater is a natural antiseptic and can help clean the area, reduce inflammation, and provide a soothing effect.

Step 3: Protect the Exposed Tooth

Your goal now is to cover the exposed area to reduce sensitivity and prevent further damage.

Temporary Dental Cement: Many pharmacies carry over-the-counter temporary dental repair kits. These usually contain a soft material that you can mold and press into the cavity. Follow the product instructions carefully.
Dental Wax: If you have orthodontic wax (the kind used for braces), you can roll a small piece into a ball, flatten it, and gently press it over the exposed area of the tooth.
Sugarless Gum: As a last resort, a small piece of sugarless gum can be pressed into the cavity. Important: Only use sugarless gum, as regular gum contains sugar that can cause pain and encourage bacterial growth in the exposed tooth.

WARNING! DO NOT use Super Glue or any other household adhesive to try and fix your filling!

These products are not safe for internal use, can be toxic, and will cause more harm than good to your tooth and soft tissues.

Step 4: Manage Pain and Sensitivity

Experiencing pain or sensitivity is very common with a lost filling.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage discomfort. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
Clove Oil: A natural analgesic, a tiny amount of clove oil applied with a cotton swab directly to the exposed area can temporarily numb the pain. Be careful not to get it on your gums, as it can be irritating.
Cold Compress: If there’s any swelling or persistent ache, applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area can provide relief.

WARNING! Never put aspirin or any other painkillers directly against your gums or tooth.

This can burn the gum tissue and cause further damage without effectively relieving the tooth pain.

Step 5: Protect from Further Damage

Until you can see your dentist, take precautions to prevent worsening the situation.

Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side: Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth to prevent food from getting into the cavity and to protect the weakened tooth from biting forces.
Stick to Soft Foods: Opt for a diet of soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs.

While these immediate steps offer crucial temporary relief and protection, remember they are not permanent solutions.

Professional dental care is essential to properly repair your tooth and prevent further complications.

Our team at Bur Oak Dental is ready to assist with any dental emergency you may have, ensuring you get the care you need when you need it most.

Is It a Dental Emergency? Assessing the Urgency

You’ve taken the immediate steps, but now you might be wondering, “How quickly do I need to see the dentist?”

Not all lost fillings require an immediate, middle-of-the-night visit, but none should be ignored.

Whom to Call During Emergency Dentistry:

Severe, Throbbing Pain: Intense pain that is persistent and unbearable, especially if it radiates to your jaw or ear.
Signs of Infection: Swelling in your face or gums, a fever, or a bad taste in your mouth which could indicate pus or an abscess.
Sharp Tooth Edge: If the broken tooth or remaining part of the filling has a sharp edge that is cutting or irritating your tongue, cheek, or gums. This can lead to painful sores and infection.
Significant Bleeding: While some minor bleeding from the gum might occur, persistent or heavy bleeding is a red flag.

When It Can Wait a Little (But Still Needs Attention Soon):

If you have mild sensitivity, no pain, or the exposed area doesn’t have sharp edges, you likely have a day or two to schedule an appointment during regular business hours.

However, it’s crucial to call your dentist as soon as possible, ideally within 24-48 hours. Even without pain, the exposed tooth is highly vulnerable to decay and fracture.

Beyond the Immediate: What to Expect Next

Once you’ve contacted us and secured an appointment, you might be curious about what happens at the clinic.

Your Emergency Dental Appointment at Bur Oak Dental

When you arrive at one of our convenient Bur Oak Dental locations, our compassionate team will:

Assess the Situation: We’ll examine your tooth, discuss your symptoms, and take an X-ray to evaluate the extent of the damage, check for new decay, or assess the health of the tooth’s root.
Discuss Treatment Options: Based on the assessment, we’ll explain the best course of action. This could include:

New Filling: If the tooth structure is largely intact and the decay is removed, a new filling can be placed.
Dental Crown: If a significant portion of the tooth is broken or weakened, a crown (a cap that covers the entire tooth) may be recommended to provide strength and protection.
Root Canal: If the decay has reached the tooth’s pulp and caused an infection, a root canal procedure might be necessary to save the tooth, followed by a crown.
Extraction: In rare, severe cases where the tooth is beyond repair, extraction might be the only option.

Address Your Concerns: We’ll answer all your questions, including those about costs and insurance. We believe in transparent communication and will ensure you understand your treatment plan.

From a simple new filling to more complex solutions like dental implants or crowns and bridges, we offer a full spectrum of care under one roof, designed for your comfort and peace of mind.

Preventing Future Filling Failures: Long-Term Solutions

While some filling failures are unavoidable due to age, many can be prevented with good habits.

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Consistent brushing twice a day and daily flossing are your best defense against new decay forming around existing fillings. Regular professional cleanings and check-ups are also crucial.
Avoid Damaging Habits:
Biting Hard Objects: Don’t chew on ice, popcorn kernels, or unpopped popcorn, which can crack fillings or even teeth.
Grinding or Clenching: If you grind or clench your teeth (bruxism), especially at night, this puts immense pressure on your fillings and teeth. We can help with jaw pain treatments like custom night guards.
Protect Your Teeth During Sports: If you play contact sports, a custom sports guard is essential to protect your teeth and any existing dental work from trauma.
Understand Filling Lifespans: Different filling materials have different expected lifespans. Amalgam fillings can last 10-15 years, while composite resins typically last 5-7 years. Knowing this can help you anticipate when a filling might need attention during routine check-ups.

Myth vs. Reality: Debunking Common Filling Misconceptions

Let’s clear up some common misunderstandings about dental fillings:

Myth: “My fillings will last forever.”
Reality: While durable, fillings are subject to daily wear and tear. Their lifespan varies based on material, location in the mouth, and your oral hygiene habits.
Myth: “It’s only an emergency if it hurts.”
Reality: Not true. A lost filling can cause no pain initially but still leaves your tooth vulnerable to rapid decay, infection, or fracture. Timely intervention is always best.
Myth: “I can just ignore it until my next scheduled appointment.”
Reality: Delaying treatment increases the risk of the problem escalating. What might have been a simple refilling could become a more complex and expensive procedure like a root canal or crown.
Myth: “My dentist can just glue my old filling back in.”
Reality: In most cases, a lost filling is not reusable. The bond would be compromised, and there’s often new decay or damage that needs to be addressed before a new filling is placed.

Your Questions Answered: FAQs About Lost/Broken Fillings

Here are some frequently asked questions we hear from patients:

Q: How long can I wait before seeing a dentist if my filling falls out?

A: Ideally, you should see a dentist within 24-48 hours. Even if there’s no pain, the exposed tooth is at risk of further damage, decay, and sensitivity. The longer you wait, the higher the chance of needing a more extensive and costly treatment.

Q: What causes fillings to fall out?

A: Fillings can fall out due to new decay forming around them, wear and tear over time, biting down hard on something, grinding your teeth, or the natural expansion and contraction of filling materials.

Q: Can I eat normally with a lost filling?

A: No. It’s best to avoid chewing on the affected side and stick to soft foods to prevent food particles from getting lodged in the cavity and to protect the exposed tooth from further damage.

Q: What are the risks if I don’t get a lost filling fixed quickly?

A: The risks include increased sensitivity, rapid decay, a higher chance of tooth fracture, bacterial infection leading to a root canal, or even the eventual loss of the tooth.

Q: Will my dentist reuse the old filling?

A: It’s very unlikely. While you should bring the lost filling to your appointment for examination, dentists typically use new material to ensure a strong, long-lasting bond and to address any underlying decay or structural issues.

Q: What are the different types of dental fillings?

A: Common types include amalgam (silver-colored), composite (tooth-colored resin), gold, and porcelain. Each has different properties regarding durability, aesthetics, and cost, and your dentist can discuss the best option for your specific needs.

Don’t Wait – We’re Here to Help!

Experiencing a lost or broken dental filling can be alarming, but with the right immediate steps and prompt professional care, your tooth can be restored. At Bur Oak Dental, we understand that dental emergencies are stressful. Our friendly and highly skilled team is dedicated to providing prompt, compassionate, and expert care in a welcoming environment. We prioritize your comfort, offering amenities like massaging dental chairs and sedation options to alleviate any anxiety. With three convenient locations across Markham (Bur Oak Dental West, Central, and East) and seven-day availability, we make accessing high-quality dental care as easy and stress-free as possible. Don’t let a lost filling lead to a bigger problem.

What to Do If You Lose or Break a Dental Filling in Markham, ON