Broken Fillings: Temporary Fixes and Long-Term Solutions

Written By Brittani Warren

A broken or missing filling can be alarming. It can cause discomfort, and it can expose your tooth to bacteria, decay, and further damage. That’s why understanding both immediate remedies and permanent treatments is important.

If a filling cracks or falls out, start with a gentle rinse using warm salt water to keep the area clean and reduce bacteria. Avoid chewing on that side and protect any sharp edges with dental wax or temporary filling material from the pharmacy. These simple home steps can provide short-term relief, but they aren’t permanent.

Over-the-counter dental cement kits, often called temporary filling kits, are a common quick fix. One product claims to “temporarily repair loose caps and lost fillings while providing instant pain relief,” and you can even eat afterward (Bram Park Dentistry). However, experts caution that "home tooth fillings can’t bond to your teeth in the way composite resin used by dentists does", leaving them prone to fall out, trap bacteria, and fail to address underlying decay (Smilestories). Dentists also warn that these kits only disguise the issue but don’t treat the cause.

Ultimately, temporary solutions are just that, temporary. The only way to fully resolve a broken filling is to visit a dentist. For minor damage, they may simply replace the filling using composite resin that bonds directly to the tooth structure. For more extensive damage, especially in worn or cracked teeth, a dental crown is often recommended. Crowns provide “enhanced protection, durability, and aesthetic benefits,” making them the better choice for long-term restoration  (Olympic View Dental).

Failing to seek timely treatment can lead to serious consequences. According to resources on dental emergencies, a lost filling can expose dentin and cause irritation, sensitivity, and even infection. Dentists warn that cracks, decay, or gums near the broken area could require more complex treatments like root canals, or possibly even tooth extraction .

Broken fillings should never be ignored. While temporary home fixes can help relieve discomfort, only a dentist can assess the situation properly and provide a restoration that protects your tooth long-term. If you’ve lost or damaged a filling, call us today to restore your smile and prevent further issues.

Sources

  • Smilestories: 5 Reasons Why Using a Temporary Tooth Filling Kit Is a Bad Idea
    https://smilestories.co/tooth-filling-kit-could-mess-up-your-teeth/

  • Sloan Creek Dental: DIY Tooth Fillings at Home: Why It’s a Bad Idea
    https://sloancreekdental.com/diy-tooth-filling-kit-at-home-is-a-bad-idea/

  • Bram Park Dentistry: DIY Temporary Tooth Filling Kits: Are They Safe in 2025?
    https://bramparkdentistry.com/diy-temporary-tooth-filling-kits-are-they-safe-in-2025/dental-care/

  • Woodside Dental Group: Dental Fillings
    https://woodsidedentalgroup.com/services/dental-fillings/

  • Olympic View Dental: Crown vs Filling: Pros and Cons
    https://olympicviewdental.com/crown-vs-filling-pros-and-cons/

  • Southeastern Dental Center: Crown vs Filling: A Detailed Guide
    https://southeasterndentalcenter.com/dental-crown-vs-filling/

Brittani Warren
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