Dental emergency? Here’s what to do and who to call
Dentist Disaster

Chips, cracks & breaks

Lost, broken or failed filling

See a dentist soon5 treatment options

A filling has fallen out, cracked or feels loose. How to protect the tooth until you are seen and what a dentist might do next.

How urgent is it? See a dentist soon

Contact your dentist promptly. The NHS says a broken or loose filling is a reason to ask for an urgent appointment or contact NHS 111 if you cannot get one. Seek urgent help if you develop swelling, severe pain or signs of infection.

When to call 999, NHS 111 or your dentist

What it is

Fillings do not last forever. They can wear, crack, come loose or fall out, and sometimes decay starts again around the edges. You might notice a gap you can feel with your tongue, food catching, or new sensitivity.

The NHS lists a broken or loose filling as a reason to ask for an urgent or emergency dental appointment or to get advice from NHS 111, particularly if you are in pain. A pharmacist can also advise on painkillers and short-term products while you wait.

Temporary filling kits from pharmacies can protect the tooth for a short time, but the Oral Health Foundation stresses they are only a stopgap - you still need a dentist to check for decay and place a proper filling.

Signs and causes

Common signs

  • A hole or rough edge where a filling used to be
  • Pieces of filling material in your mouth
  • Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet things
  • Pain when biting or food packing into the tooth

Usual causes

  • Normal wear and tear over time
  • New decay around the edge of the filling
  • Grinding or clenching
  • Biting on hard foods
  • A temporary filling that was never replaced with a permanent one

Ways to fix it

The options a dentist may discuss with you, and when each one tends to be used. Which one suits you depends on an examination.

  1. Fillings

    Most lost or broken fillings: the old filling and any decay are removed and a new one placed.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  2. Inlays and onlays

    When a large filling has failed and the tooth needs a stronger laboratory-made restoration.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  3. Crowns

    When too little tooth is left to hold another filling.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  4. Root canal treatment

    If decay or damage has reached the nerve and the tooth has become infected.

    Available on the NHSRestorative

  5. Tooth extraction

    If the tooth cannot be restored.

    Available on the NHSSurgical

What you can do now

  • Keep the area clean with gentle brushing
  • Chew on the other side and avoid sticky, hard or very sugary foods
  • Use a pharmacy temporary filling kit only as a short-term measure, following the instructions
  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain if needed

Preventing it

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth daily
  • Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks
  • Attend check-ups so worn fillings can be spotted before they fail
  • Ask about a night guard if you grind your teeth

Common questions

Should I replace my old silver fillings with white ones?

Usually not unless they are worn, broken or have decay underneath. The Oral Health Foundation notes that replacing a working filling means extra drilling and loss of healthy tooth.

How long does a temporary filling last?

Temporary fillings may last a few weeks or sometimes a few months, but they are not designed to cope with normal chewing long term.

Is an urgent filling covered on the NHS?

Yes - in England, one urgent filling can be provided as part of an NHS urgent dental appointment, which is charged at the Band 1 rate (£27.90 from April 2026) unless you are exempt. Routine fillings are Band 2.

Products that may help at home

These support good daily care; they don’t replace treatment from a dentist. Some links may be affiliate links.

Sources we used

Checked September 2026. Guidance changes, so always follow the advice of your own dental team. About our sources.