Dental symptoms · Twickenham · Adult guidance
Broken fillings. Protect the tooth.
A filling that breaks, loosens or falls out needs a dentist to check the restoration and the tooth underneath. Even without pain, arrange an assessment rather than leaving it untreated.
General information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for dental assessment. Source-backed guide · Dr Sunny’s clinical sign-off is pending.
Do not wait for a practice reply
When you need emergency help
Go to A&E for swelling around your eye or neck, or swelling making it hard to breathe, swallow or speak. Call 999 if you need an ambulance. Heavy mouth bleeding that will not stop or a serious face or jaw injury also requires emergency help.
For urgent dental problems when you cannot reach a dentist or get an appointment, call NHS 111. A website enquiry is not an emergency service.
First decision
When to contact a dentist
Contact a dentist for advice about a broken or loose filling. Tell them about pain, a sharp edge, swelling or difficulty eating so they can assess urgency. If you cannot access urgent dental care, contact NHS 111.
Possible explanations
What might be causing it?
A filling may fail through wear, fracture or decay around it. A broken tooth can look like a lost filling. Only an examination can establish what has happened and whether repair, replacement or another restoration is appropriate.
While you arrange care
Practical steps
- Avoid biting hard food on the affected tooth and choose softer foods.
- Avoid very hot or cold food and drink if the tooth feels sensitive.
- Keep the tooth clean with gentle brushing. Do not use household glue or attempt a permanent repair yourself.
- If a piece of tooth has broken off, keep it in milk or saliva and take it to the dentist. This is different from a knocked-out whole tooth, which requires immediate dental help.
Your assessment
What the dentist will check
Your dentist will check how much sound tooth remains, the bite and any decay or nerve symptoms. A replacement filling may be possible; a larger repair may need a crown or an inlay/onlay. Fees and alternatives should be explained before treatment.
Sunny Dental · One Twickenham practice
Getting in touch
2 London Road, Twickenham, London TW1 3RY · +44 7356 215372
Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday: closed.. Call to ask about availability; same-day appointments are not guaranteed. If you need urgent care and cannot get help here, contact NHS 111.
Independent patient information
Sources and further reading
Other dental concerns