Gibson & Bartholomew Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry
Your Winston-Salem, NC Dentist

Broken Filling

As a dental practice with years of experience helping patients maintain their oral health, we've seen cases of broken tooth fillings and the concerns they cause. Understanding what happens when a filling breaks or falls out, and knowing how to respond, can make a significant difference in preserving your oral health and avoiding unnecessary discomfort.

Understanding Cavities and Why We Fill Them

Before discussing broken fillings, it's important to understand why fillings are necessary in the first place. Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth break down sugars and carbohydrates, producing acids that erode tooth enamel over time. This erosion creates holes in the teeth known as cavities. When left untreated, these cavities grow larger and may reach the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, causing significant pain and complications.

Dental fillings are a procedure where we clean these cavities and fill them with a durable material to stop decay and prevent it from progressing further. This intervention gives your natural tooth a longer life and restores its function and integrity. While brushing, flossing, avoiding sugar, and getting regular professional cleanings are the best methods to prevent cavities, once decay has formed, a filling becomes necessary.

Types of Dental Fillings and Their Durability

The durability of your filling, and how likely it is to break or fail, depends partly on the material used. Several filling materials are available, each with distinct advantages.

Amalgam fillings are composed of silver, tin, copper, and mercury. They've been used for over 150 years because they're exceptionally durable, typically lasting 10 to 15 years. However, their metallic appearance stands out against white teeth.

Composite resin fillings match the natural color of teeth and are popular because of their ability to blend in flawlessly with your smile. These typically last five to 10 years before needing replacement.

Other options include glass ionomer, ceramic, and gold fillings, each catering to different situations and patient preferences. Understanding which type of filling you have can help you gauge how long it should last and when it might be more susceptible to breaking.

Signs of a Broken Tooth Filling

How do you know if a filling has broken or fallen out? Here are some common indicators:

•	Sudden sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages
•	Pain or discomfort when biting down
•	A rough area that your tongue can feel
•	Food getting caught in an area that previously didn't trap food
•	Visible damage or a hole in your tooth
•	Finding a piece of filling material in your mouth

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important not to ignore them. A broken filling leaves the tooth vulnerable to further decay and damage.

What to Do If a Filling Falls Out

If you find yourself with a broken or lost filling, here's what you should do:

•	Call our office immediately. Explain the situation so we can schedule you for the earliest possible appointment.
•	Keep the area clean. Rinse gently with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day to reduce bacteria in the affected area.
•	Watch what you eat. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and stay away from foods that are very hard, sticky, or extreme in temperature.
•	Manage any discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with any pain or sensitivity you're experiencing.
•	Consider temporary solutions. In some cases, dental cement available at pharmacies can provide a temporary barrier until your appointment. However, this is not a substitute for professional treatment.

The longer you wait to address a broken filling, the greater the risk of complications, including deeper decay, infection, or even tooth loss.

How to Fix a Broken Filling: The Professional Approach

When you come in for treatment of a broken filling, we'll first examine the affected tooth to assess the damage and determine the best course of action. Depending on the extent of the damage, we have several options for treatment:

•	Simple replacement: If the tooth structure is still sound and the original cavity hasn't grown, we can often simply place a new filling. This procedure closely resembles your original filling placement.
•	Larger filling or onlay: If more decay has developed or the tooth structure has been compromised, we might need to place a larger filling or consider a partial crown (onlay).
•	Crown placement: In cases where significant tooth structure has been lost or the tooth has cracked along with the filling failure, a full crown may be necessary to restore the tooth's strength and function.
•	Root canal therapy: If decay has reached the pulp (nerve) of the tooth, causing infection, root canal therapy may be needed before the tooth can be restored.

The procedure begins with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. We then remove any remaining pieces of the old filling and any new decay that may have formed. We clean the area thoroughly and prepare the tooth surface for the new filling material. For composite resin fillings, we apply the material in layers, hardening each layer with a special light. Finally, we shape the filling to match your tooth's natural contours and check your bite alignment to ensure proper function.

Prevention: The Best Approach to Filling Care

There are steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your filling and reduce the chance of a broken tooth filling:

•	Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Brush twice daily, floss daily, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria that could cause decay around fillings.
•	Be mindful of what you chew: Avoid biting down on hard candies, ice, popcorn kernels, or using your teeth as tools, as these actions can fracture fillings.
•	Wear a nightguard if recommended: If you grind or clench your teeth, the pressure can damage fillings over time. A custom nightguard can protect both your natural teeth and your dental work.
•	Keep regular dental appointments: During routine checkups, we can identify weakening fillings before they break completely, allowing for planned replacement rather than emergency care.

Dental Fillings Winston-Salem

Remember, a broken filling isn't just an inconvenience, it's a warning sign that shouldn't be ignored. By taking immediate action when you notice a problem and following proper maintenance, you can protect your oral health and potentially save yourself from more extensive dental procedures down the road.

If you're experiencing issues with a dental filling or have questions about your dental health, please don't hesitate to contact Gibson & Bartholomew Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry by calling (336) 283-2593. Your smile is our priority, and we're here to help keep it healthy and bright for years to come.

Contact Information

1341 Westgate Center Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27103-3043

(336) 283-2593
gandbdentistry@aspidamail.com

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Gibson & Bartholomew, 1341 Westgate Center Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27103-3043 • (336) 283-2593 • dentistinwinstonsalemnc.com • 7/9/2025 • Tags: Dentist Winston Salem NC •

Gibson & Bartholomew Restorative and Esthetic DentistryYour Winston-Salem, NC Dentist