What happens if sperm got into a broken filling and the top was resealed?

If you have any of the following, go to the emergency department or contact dental/medical services immediately. These may indicate a serious infection or airway compromise.

• Rapidly increasing swelling of the face, jaw or neck
• Severe, throbbing tooth pain
• Fever
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

The conditions in the mouth are not favorable for sperm survival; sperm is unlikely to remain viable inside a tooth or to start a bacterial dental infection. Dentists routinely clean decayed areas and remove foreign material before placing a new filling, so leftover material is unlikely.

• Your dentist will clean and disinfect the area before redoing a filling
• Even microscopic organic residues are unlikely to remain viable in the tooth
• See your dentist if you develop tooth pain, sensitivity, a bad taste or odour, or swelling

The main risk comes from unprotected oral sex and possible transmission of pathogens, not from sperm trapped in a filling. Assess risk based on timing of the exposure, the partner’s infection history, and local testing guidance. Testing and follow-up should be arranged through healthcare services.

• If the exposure was within 72 hours and the partner’s HIV risk is unknown, consult Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology or a sexual health clinic to consider urgent options
• Throat NAAT testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia is generally considered 7–14 days after exposure
• Blood tests for syphilis and HIV are commonly performed around 6 weeks and may be repeated at 3 months if advised
• If your hepatitis B vaccination is incomplete, seek advice about vaccination or follow-up

These are general recommendations; individual risk and testing schedules should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Guidance on which specialist or service to contact depending on symptoms and concerns.

• For dental symptoms (pain, sensitivity, bad taste/odour, swelling) contact your dentist or oral/maxillofacial service
• If urgent warning signs are present, go to an emergency department or contact oral and maxillofacial surgery
• For STI concerns or testing, contact Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology or local sexual health services

Low-risk supportive measures for comfort and symptom monitoring; these are not treatment instructions.

• Rest and maintain adequate fluid intake if unwell
• Maintain oral hygiene; brushing and warm salt-water rinses may help with comfort
• Seek professional assessment if symptoms persist or worsen