Broken/Lost Fillings

It happens so suddenly. One moment you are sitting and watching TV or eating dinner; the next, a part of your dental filling falls out and into your mouth. If you find yourself in a situation like this or notice that a tooth that had a dental filling no longer has one, Victorian Village Dental Care in Columbus, Ohio is here to help.

How Do I Care for Broken or Lost Fillings?

A broken or lost filling isn’t usually considered a dental emergency. However, it is a dental issue that should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid experiencing other more serious problems.

At Victorian Village Dental Care, we are prepared to see you as soon as possible if you experience a broken or lost filling. If you have pain, discomfort or swelling along with the broken or lost filling, a same-day appointment may be available so you can receive immediate treatment.

What Happens a Filling Is Not Replaced?

Dental fillings are placed to seal, reinforce and protect a tooth that has been treated for dental decay. If the dental filling breaks or falls out, the hole is left exposed. Without the protection of the dental filling, bacteria, germs and food particles can get trapped in the hole and cause cavities or infections.

Extreme pain and discomfort can also occur if the dental filling is not replaced. Depending upon how large the cavity was that was filled, the nerve may be exposed if the filling falls out or breaks. An exposed nerve can cause extreme pain and sensitivity to hot and cold.

Teeth can also chip, crack or break due to not replacing the broken or lost filling. The dental filling provides structure and support to the tooth, and, with it, the tooth doesn’t have the strength or stability to avoid becoming damaged.  

How Do You Treat a Broken or Lost Filling? 

Treatment for a broken or lost filling will vary from patient to patient. Sometimes, our dentist can simply replace the lost or broken filling with a new one. Other treatments, such as root canals or dental crowns, may sometimes be needed.

At your appointment, Dr. Martinez will assess the situation to determine the best course of treatment. Some treatments, such as removal of the old filling and placement of a new filling, may be able to be done on the same day. Other treatment options, such as root canals or placement of a dental crown, may require additional appointments.

If you need additional appointments, we will help you come up with a plan that provides temporary, yet immediate pain relief.

Request an Appointment Right Away

The sooner you replace a lost or broken filling, the less likely you will experience other, more serious dental problems. If you notice your dental filling is missing, broken or feels loose, call Victorian Village Dental Care at 614-298-1543. Our dental team will do our best to get you an appointment as soon as possible, or same-day if you are in pain, so you can get the lost or broken filling treated.