Broken Filling

Broken Filling Impacts

The highest priority when a filling has broken or fallen out is to visit to have the area assessed as soon as possible, for a number of reasons. Firstly, the earlier the broken filling is assessed, the greater the chance of preventing it from becoming worse. If left, broken fillings can cause infection, or an existing infection may become more severe. In addition, the broken filling is no longer supporting the tooth, so the tooth and filling can crumble away making treatment more difficult. As infection gets worse the tooth can become painful and if it is sharp it can cut the tongue, cheeks or lips. Food can also lodge in the broken area resulting in bad breath, gum infections and decay into the deeper roots of the tooth.

For these reasons, Avenue Dental is committed to providing same day emergency appointments if you call before 10 am. This enables us to provide you with advice and relief without risking matters getting worse while you wait for an appointment.

Why do Fillings Break?

Fillings break for a number of reasons. Filling materials vary with some softer than others. As fillings age they can accumulate cracks. Larger fillings are much more prone to breaking than smaller ones. When a tooth has a large filling that covers more than 50% of the tooth the material is under more strain and is more likely over time to break. The filling position on the tooth may also play a role. Teeth further towards the back of the mouth are under more pressure from the bite than the teeth towards the front of the mouth.

Having missing teeth my mean that the remaining teeth get more loaded and their fillings tend to crack more frequently. The amount of force placed on a tooth is also a factor. If hard foods like nuts are frequently eaten or clenching and grinding of the teeth occurs, this can lead to cracks. Also, if tooth decay or moisture leakage occurs due to a filling’s age or lack of good tooth brushing and flossing then the filling will often break or fall out.

Fixing a Broken Filling?

After your dentist has investigated why a filling has broken and identified any other concerns present you can both discuss solutions. Your dentist will give you all the information on your available options then it will be up to you to decide what is best for you and your tooth.

If you have a broken filling call any of our Avenue Dental practices in Caloundra, Kawana, Maroochydore, Bli Bli, North Lakes, Baringa, Sippy Downs, Tewantin, Murrumba Downs, Beerwah and Woolloongabba before 10am and we guarantee we will see you that same day.