What is a dental filling, and why might it come out?
A dental filling is a restorative material that replaces part of a natural tooth damaged by decay, fracture or wear. Dentists place fillings so the tooth can work again for chewing and to help protect the remaining tooth structure (healthdirect; teeth.org.au).
Common materials include tooth-coloured composite resin, glass-ionomer cement, and — less often now — amalgam. Your dentist chooses a material based on the tooth, your bite and the size of the repair (teeth.org.au).
Fillings do not last forever. Everyday use can open the join between the tooth and the filling. Food and bacteria can collect in that space and may cause new decay (teeth.org.au). Healthdirect also notes that fillings can chip, wear or change colour over time (healthdirect). Better Health Channel states that fillings sometimes fall out, and that if part of a filling breaks or the whole filling comes out, you should see an oral health professional as soon as possible (Better Health Channel).
A filling can also loosen after biting something hard, grinding, or decay under an older restoration. Only an examination can show what happened. This page is general information only, not a personal diagnosis or treatment plan.
What should you do first if a filling comes out?
If a filling comes out or breaks, protect the tooth and arrange a dental review rather than trying to fix it yourself.
- Do not stick the old filling back with household glue, adhesive, or any DIY product. Those products are not made for the mouth and can harm soft tissues or seal debris against the tooth.
- Keep the piece if you still have it, rinse it with lukewarm water, and bring it to your appointment so the dentist can see what came out.
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to clear loose food from the open area. Spit the rinse out.
- Chew on the other side of your mouth. Avoid hard, sticky or very sugary foods on the open tooth until it has been checked.
- Call to book a dental review at AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake on (02) 9739 6525, or use our how to book an appointment guide and the Contact page.
A temporary filling is a short-term material dentists may place during emergency care or between appointments. It is not a household repair — only a dental professional should place it (teeth.org.au; healthdirect).
When should you seek care sooner?
Book sooner care — and phone rather than relying on email alone — if you notice:
- ongoing or worsening toothache
- swelling of the gum, face or jaw
- fever, or a bad taste that may suggest infection
- pain when biting
- a sharp edge that cuts the tongue or cheek
Healthdirect advises seeing a dentist as soon as possible when toothache lasts more than two days, does not settle with pharmacist or GP advice you already have, or comes with fever, trouble swallowing, pain on biting, a bad taste, or cheek or jaw swelling (healthdirect).
Call 000 or go to an emergency department if there is trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing, or swelling around the eye or neck (healthdirect). For knocked-out teeth, heavy bleeding and other urgent mouth injuries, see what to do in a dental emergency and healthdirect’s dental injury guidance. Friday hours are in Friday emergency dental hours in Mortlake.
What can you do at home until the appointment?
An open cavity after a lost filling can collect food and feel sensitive to temperature or air. Until you are seen:
- Prefer softer foods and chew away from the open tooth
- Brush other teeth as usual with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste; clean carefully around the open area without forcing debris in
- Avoid biting hard objects on the open tooth
- If a sharp edge scrapes soft tissue, you may briefly cover it with dental wax from a pharmacy if available — a short comfort step only, not a repair
- Limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks that can feed bacteria in an open cavity
Do not file, sand or reshape the tooth yourself, and do not pack household products into the cavity. Ask a pharmacist or GP only about short-term comfort options if needed; this page does not prescribe medicines or name pharmacy kits as treatment.
An open tooth can collect bacteria and allow further damage. Better Health Channel advises seeing a dental practitioner promptly when a filling breaks or falls out (Better Health Channel). Book a review rather than assuming the tooth can wait indefinitely.
What might the dentist do at the review?
At the appointment, the dentist will examine the tooth, ask about symptoms, and may take an x-ray if needed. Treatment depends on what is found and can include a new filling, a temporary covering until further work is finished, or another restoration if more tooth structure has been lost (healthdirect; teeth.org.au).
After a new filling, some people notice short-term sensitivity to hot, cold or biting. The ADA says this often settles over a few days, and sometimes over one to two weeks; return if it continues or worsens (teeth.org.au).
Your dentist will explain benefits, risks and alternatives. Results vary between people. Regular check-ups and cleans can help spot worn fillings before they fail (Better Health Channel; benefits of regular dental check-ups).
How can you book at AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake?
AMK Dental Clinic is at Shop 3, 46 Tennyson Road, Mortlake NSW 2137. Phone (02) 9739 6525. Website: www.amkdental.com.au.
If a filling has come out, phone during opening hours so the team can advise you, or book online via Contact. For non-urgent questions only, email info@amkdental.com.au. Nearby suburbs we serve include Breakfast Point, Cabarita, Concord, Rhodes and North Strathfield.
Keep what to do in a dental emergency and how to book an appointment handy for red flags and booking steps. See also general dentistry and emergency dentist.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
Can I stick a loose filling back in with glue?
No. Do not use household glue, adhesives or other DIY products to push a filling back into a tooth. Those materials are not made for the mouth and can irritate soft tissues or trap debris against the tooth. Keep the old piece if you still have it and bring it to your appointment so the dentist can see what came out. Book a review at AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake rather than trying to repair the tooth yourself.
How soon should I see a dentist after a filling comes out?
Better Health Channel advises seeing an oral health professional as soon as possible if part of a filling breaks off or the whole filling falls out. An open cavity can collect food and bacteria, and the tooth may be more sensitive or prone to further damage. Call AMK Dental Clinic on (02) 9739 6525 or use how to book an appointment to arrange a review. If you have severe pain, facial swelling or trouble swallowing, seek sooner urgent care.
Why do fillings come out or break?
Fillings do not last forever. The Australian Dental Association explains that everyday use can open the join between the tooth and the filling, which can let food and bacteria collect and may lead to new decay. Healthdirect notes that fillings can chip, wear or change colour over time. Bite force, grinding, biting something hard, or breakdown of an older restoration can also play a part. Only an examination can show what happened in your mouth.
What can I do at home until my appointment?
Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to clear food debris. Chew on the other side of your mouth and avoid very hard, sticky or sugary foods on the open tooth. If a sharp edge scrapes your tongue or cheek, you can cover it briefly with dental wax from a pharmacy if available, or keep soft food away from that side until you are seen — do not file or reshape the tooth yourself. This is not a repair; book a dental review promptly.
When is a lost filling more urgent?
Seek sooner care if you have ongoing pain, swelling of the gum, face or jaw, a fever, a bad taste that may suggest infection, or a sharp edge that cuts the tongue or cheek. Trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing, or swelling around the eye or neck, needs emergency medical care — call 000. For other urgent mouth injuries, see what to do in a dental emergency. At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, phone (02) 9739 6525 so the team can advise you.