A lost or broken dental filling exposes the sensitive inner structures of the tooth to the oral environment. Fillings seal the cavity, protecting the dentin and pulp from bacteria, debris, and temperature changes. When this protective seal fails, the tooth becomes vulnerable to rapid decay, infection, and severe sensitivity. Home measures are purely temporary solutions intended only to manage discomfort and prevent further damage until a dentist can provide a permanent repair. These remedies are not substitutes for professional dental care, which must be sought without delay.
Managing Pain and Protecting the Exposed Area
The first priority is managing discomfort and protecting the soft tissues of the mouth. The exposed dentin layer leads directly to the tooth’s nerve, causing sensitivity to heat, cold, or air. Gently rinsing the mouth with a warm salt water solution (one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water) helps cleanse the area and reduce inflammation.
To address pain, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be taken following package directions. For localized relief, a small amount of desensitizing toothpaste can be rubbed directly onto the affected tooth. Leaving the paste in place allows active ingredients, such as potassium nitrate, to block nerve signals. Avoiding chewing on the affected side and sticking to soft foods prevents pressure and irritation.
A broken tooth often leaves sharp edges that can lacerate the tongue or cheek. To cover these rough surfaces, mold a small piece of dental wax, available in most pharmacies, and gently press it over the sharp area. Alternatively, soften a small amount of sugar-free chewing gum and carefully press it into the void to create a smooth, temporary barrier. Use only sugar-free gum, as sugary products accelerate decay and increase discomfort in the exposed cavity.
Applying Temporary Dental Filling Materials
Once pain is stabilized, temporarily seal the exposed cavity to prevent food packing and bacterial contamination. The most effective home solution is a commercially available temporary dental repair kit, typically found at drug stores. These kits contain a zinc oxide-based material formulated to be non-toxic and set quickly in the mouth.
The application area must be clean and dry for the material to adhere. Use a clean cotton swab or gauze to gently remove moisture from the cavity. Following the kit’s instructions, roll a small amount of the material into a ball using clean fingers or the provided applicator tool. Carefully place this ball directly into the void left by the broken filling.
Gently press the material firmly into the entire depth of the cavity, ensuring the surface is flush with the surrounding tooth structure. If the material is too high, it may interfere with your bite and cause the temporary filling to break or fall out prematurely. Many temporary materials set upon contact with saliva or water, so gently biting down helps shape it and confirm it is not obstructing your bite.
These specialized temporary materials, which may include components like calcium sulfate or paraffin, are designed to last for a few days to a few weeks, allowing time to secure a professional appointment. The temporary repair is structurally weak compared to a permanent filling, so avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on that side. If the temporary material comes loose, the process can be repeated, but this signals the urgent need to see a dentist.
Urgent Warnings and Necessary Professional Follow-Up
A home repair is a short-term risk management strategy, not a long-term fix. Several household materials must be strictly avoided. Under no circumstances should non-dental adhesives, particularly super glue or other household glues containing cyanoacrylates, be used to repair a tooth or reattach a filling. These products are not biocompatible and contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful if ingested or absorbed by the oral tissues.
Using non-approved adhesives can permanently damage the tooth structure and complicate the dentist’s ability to perform a proper repair. If an adhesive creates a seal, it can trap existing bacteria underneath the filling, potentially leading to a massive infection of the tooth pulp, which would then require a root canal or tooth extraction. The only safe materials for temporary sealing are those explicitly sold as dental repair kits, clean sugar-free gum, or dental wax.
A broken filling leaves the inner tooth exposed, and delaying professional treatment increases the risk of serious complications. The exposed dentin quickly allows bacteria to penetrate and infect the pulp, potentially leading to an abscess (a collection of pus caused by bacterial infection). Contact a dental professional within a few days of the filling breaking to prevent the need for more extensive and costly procedures.
Signs that require immediate emergency dental attention include facial swelling, a fever, or severe, throbbing pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter medication. These symptoms indicate a rapidly spreading infection.