I think I need a filling

If it only feels rough on the tongue it’s a broken tooth or filling, usually we can fill it again.

 
If a bit broke off and now it’s cold sensitive, usually we can fill it again.

Bit broke off and now is dull ache = more serious. Need Xray to confirm why there is pain:

• Could be broken off close to the nerve. Usually can fill it, but pain may return
• Could be decay bacteria close to the nerve. Usually can fill it, but pain may return
• Could be a cracked tooth. Start with a filling to assess the damage, but pain may return
• Could be an infected or abscessed tooth. Tooth will need root canal treatment or removal

No breakage, just food jamming between teeth. Flossing and a new filling required.

No breakage, just cold sensitive:

• Could be sensitive teeth, requiring desensitisation, or regular use of Sensodyne toothpaste
• Could be decay, requiring a filling.
• Could be a cracked tooth. Start with a filling to assess the damage, but pain may return.

No breakage, just very heat sensitive. Usually a sign of infected tooth. May need Root Canal Treatment or removal of tooth in the future.

Longer bouts of pain in tooth, whether broken or not:

• Early sporadic pain may be reversible if dental attention is prompt
• Pain upon chewing only. May be a cracked tooth, see above
• Pain upon chewing only. May be an abscessed tooth requiring root canal treatment or removal
• Pain upon chewing only. May be a loose tooth with gum infection. Dental scaling (cleaning) required on a regular basis. This is gum disease or periodontal disease
• Stronger lingering pain usually indicates the nerve of the tooth is having problems. Root canal treatment or removal of the tooth may be required

How do you know which one applies to your tooth? Ask your dentist!