My Filling Fell Out — Is It an Emergency? | Merchant's Walk Dental East Cobb

• Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth
• Keep the area clean — brush gently around it
• Temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies) can protect the tooth until your appointment
• Call our office as soon as possible to schedule a repair

When a filling falls out, the tooth structure underneath is exposed. Without the filling protecting it, that area is vulnerable to:

• New decay forming in the exposed cavity
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods
• Cracking or fracturing of the weakened tooth
• Bacterial infection if decay reaches the nerve

The longer the tooth is left unprotected, the more likely it is that a simple filling replacement becomes a more involved — and more expensive — repair.

In many cases, a new dental filling is all that is needed. However, if the tooth has additional decay or the remaining tooth structure is compromised, a dental crown may be recommended to provide better long-term protection.

Merchant's Walk Dental provides same-day emergency appointments for patients throughout East Cobb, Marietta, Roswell, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Woodstock, and Alpharetta. Call (770) 691-5051 or schedule online.