Broken tooth or lost filling: what to do
UniDent editorial team · July 27, 2026
Medically reviewed by: Dr Aleks Aleksiev · reviewed July 27, 2026
A filling that has come out without pain is usually not urgent, but should not be left for months — an unprotected tooth breaks down faster. A fracture with sharp pain, bleeding or after an injury is a different matter and needs help straight away.
What counts as urgent
Not everything broken is an emergency, but some things are.
- A fracture after a blow or accident — seek help immediately.
- Severe pain that does not settle.
- Swelling of the face or the gum around the tooth.
- A sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek.
If there is no pain
A lost filling or a chipped corner without pain can usually wait for a teaching appointment. But "can wait" is not "can be forgotten": exposed tissue is softer and breaks down faster, and the more tooth is lost, the more complex and expensive the repair becomes.
What the options are
It depends how much tooth is left. A small fracture is often restored with a filling. If the tooth is substantially broken down, a crown may be needed. If the fracture has reached the nerve, root canal treatment. Which of the three applies is seen at an examination and on an X-ray, not from a description.
What to do meanwhile
- Do not chew on that side.
- If you have the broken piece, keep it — it is sometimes useful.
- Do not try to glue the filling back yourself.
- Do not leave it for months simply because it does not hurt.
What to do next
- Check for pain, swelling or injury — if present, seek urgent care.
- If not, describe when it happened and how much broke off.
- Do not wait for it to start hurting before asking for an examination.
Sources
- Учебни програми по консервативно зъболечение и протетика (публична информация)