Can dental fillings be done with oral ulcers?

If a mouth ulcer is not located in the area where dental filling is needed and symptoms are mild, dental filling can usually proceed. However, if the ulcer is within the treatment area or symptoms are severe, dental filling should be postponed until the ulcer is treated. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly and follow professional guidance based on individual circumstances.

When the mouth ulcer is far from the tooth requiring filling—for example, located on the edge of the tongue or buccal mucosa—and the ulcer is small with mild pain that does not interfere with the dentist's operation or patient cooperation, the filling procedure can normally proceed. Before the procedure, the dentist will clean the oral cavity, carefully avoid the ulcer area during treatment to minimize irritation, and provide post-treatment care instructions to prevent worsening of the ulcer.

If the mouth ulcer is near the tooth to be filled—such as on the gums or adjacent mucosal surfaces—or if the ulcer is large and causes severe pain, performing a filling may easily disturb the ulcer, intensifying pain and increasing the risk of infection due to the fragile mucosal tissue. This could negatively affect both the filling outcome and ulcer healing. In such cases, the ulcer should be treated first. Topical medications that promote mucosal healing can be applied, and the filling procedure should be delayed until the ulcer has healed (typically within 1–2 weeks).

In addition, if mouth ulcers frequently recur or fail to heal over a long period, it is advisable to identify and address potential underlying causes before managing dental issues. Only when the oral condition is stable should dental treatments proceed, ensuring both safety and effectiveness.