How to fix a loose dental filling

Can you fix a loose filling at home?

Not properly. Healthline lists what to do while you wait: contact your dentist promptly and mention any pain, save the filling because the dentist may be able to reuse it, rinse with warm salt water to keep the area clean, brush gently around the empty spot, avoid chewing on that side and cover the exposed tooth with dental wax or temporary filling material until your visit, which it calls only a short-term fix. Do not glue a filling back in with household glue; the sources do not describe that, and it is general safety advice.

Why does a filling come loose?

Healthline lists new decay around the filling, chewing too hard or biting hard or crunchy foods, teeth grinding, trauma to the tooth or root, and a chemical reaction that weakens the filling's bond to the tooth. Cleveland Clinic says call your dentist right away if the filling breaks. Tell your dentist if you grind your teeth, because a replacement can fail the same way.

How soon should you get it replaced?

Healthline says as soon as possible, and that replacing the filling within a few days is best, since delays raise the risk of damage. If your dentist cannot see you soon, it suggests finding another dentist, and your dentist may offer interim advice. Seek care sooner if the tooth becomes sensitive to heat or cold or starts to hurt.

What are the risks of waiting?

Healthline says bacteria and food can enter the empty space and cause decay, exposed dentin is softer and more sensitive and decays more easily, and further damage may require a crown, a root canal or extraction. Cleveland Clinic lists a throbbing toothache, pain when biting or lingering pain from heat or cold as signs of possible pulp damage.

What can you do for pain while you wait?

Healthline says an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen may ease pain and swelling, a cold compress used about fifteen minutes at a time may help and a topical numbing gel can temporarily numb the area. It also mentions applying clove oil; the sources we read do not establish that it works, so we do not recommend it and suggest asking your dentist.

Will a high filling fix itself?

The sources we read do not say it will. Healthline says the most common cause of sensitivity after a filling is a bite that feels off, which the dentist can adjust to better match your other teeth, and that sensitivity lasting longer than four weeks or that is not improving needs a visit. Do not wait for a high filling to wear down; ask your dentist to adjust it.

When did dentists stop using silver fillings?

The sources we read give no date. Cleveland Clinic says amalgam is silver-colored and contains mercury, that it remains one of the direct filling options alongside composite and glass ionomer, and that the ADA and the FDA say amalgam fillings are safe. The FDA says it does not recommend removing intact amalgam fillings in good condition unless a professional considers it medically necessary, and that higher-risk groups including pregnant women should avoid amalgam when possible. Our guide on fillings in pregnancy covers this.

What will the dentist do?

Healthline says the dentist may be able to reuse the filling, and that a crown that came off may be re-cemented. If decay has formed, the tooth may need a new filling or more extensive work. Mention any grinding so they can suggest protection.

Questions to ask your dentist

Take these to your appointment.

• Why did this filling come loose, and could it happen again?
• Can the old filling be reused or does it need replacing?
• Is there new decay under it?
• Do I need a different material or a crown?
• How can I protect the tooth in the meantime?

Frequently asked questions