Let’s say you’re chewing gum or crunching on something delicious—and suddenly, ouch, your tooth zings, or you feel a hard piece of something that doesn’t belong. You might have just discovered a broken dental filling. Don’t panic. I’m here to walk you through what Broken Teeth Fillings means, why it happens, and—most importantly—how to spot it early before it turns into something bigger (and more painful).

What is a Dental Filling?

If you’ve ever had a cavity, chances are you also have a filling. It’s that material—usually tooth-colored resin, silver amalgam, or gold—that we use to “fill in” the area where decay has been removed. Think of it as a little patch job to keep your tooth whole and happy.

These fillings are tough, but they’re not invincible. Just like a pothole repair on the road, time and wear can cause them to crack, loosen, or even fall out.

Why Fillings Break in the First Place?

Great question! Here’s the deal—fillings don’t last forever. Most last 5 to 15 years, depending on the material and how well you care for your teeth.

Here are the biggest culprits:

• Biting down on hard foods (ice, hard candy, pens… you know who you are)
• Teeth grinding at night (even if you don’t know you do it)
• Age-related wear and tear
• Decay forming underneath or around the filling

According to a source, over 90% of adults between 20 and 64 have had at least one cavity, which means millions of people are walking around with fillings, and some are walking around with broken ones.

Four Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Okay, now the important part. How do you know if a filling has broken? Here are the four big signs I always tell my patients to watch for:

1. Sudden Tooth Sensitivity

If cold water or hot coffee suddenly sends a jolt through your tooth, something’s not right. This is often the first clue that your filling is no longer doing its job. When the inner part of your tooth is exposed, it reacts loudly.

2. Sharp or Rough Edges

Run your tongue over the tooth. Does it feel jagged or like there’s a little missing chunk? That might be part of your filling that’s broken off. It’s sneaky, but you’ll notice it once you pay attention.

3. Pain When Chewing

This one’s big. If biting down sends a sharp pain through your tooth, don’t tough it out. A broken filling can shift slightly under pressure, which irritates the nerve inside the tooth, and trust me, your nerve does not like that.

4. Visible Hole or Crack

Sometimes, the sign is right there in your mirror. You might actually see a dark spot, hole, or visible break in the tooth or filling material. If you’re squinting in your bathroom mirror and thinking “that wasn’t there before,” you’re probably right.

What to Do if You Notice These Signs?

First off—don’t ignore it. I say this with love and a little bit of “tough dentist energy.” Waiting can make things worse. A small crack can turn into a big one. A missing filling can become a root canal. I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count.

Here’s your action plan:

1. Call your dentist (hey, that’s me).
2. Avoid chewing on that side until we fix it.
3. If you’re in pain, over-the-counter pain relievers can help until your appointment.
4. Keep your mouth clean—gently rinse with warm salt water if needed.

Treatment Options for Broken Teeth Fillings

So what happens when you come in? Here’s what I usually recommend, depending on the severity:

Condition	Treatment
Small chip or crack	Replace with a new filling
Large break or decay underneath	Crown may be needed
Tooth pain or deep crack	Possible root canal + crown
Missing filling entirely	Refill, crown, or implant if tooth is compromised

The good news? Most broken fillings are quick fixes. If you catch it early, you’ll be in and out before you know it.

Final Thoughts from the Chair

If you’ve read this far, first of all, thank you. You’re clearly someone who cares about their teeth, and I’m always happy to see that.

Here’s the bottom line: Broken Teeth Fillings are common, but they’re nothing to be scared of. What matters is how quickly you respond. Your teeth aren’t great at sending emails or text alerts, so they rely on symptoms like sensitivity or pain to let you know something’s wrong.

If something feels “off,” even a little, call us. Don’t wait until you’re chewing your dinner and suddenly realize you’re also chewing your old filling (yup, that’s happened). At Precision Dental and Implant Center, my team and I are here to help you fix it with care, speed, and just a little humor to keep things light.

You don’t have to live with tooth pain. You deserve a healthy, strong smile—and we can help make that happen.

If you think you may have a broken filling, schedule your appointment today. Let’s get your smile back on track—minus the zingers.