Even though a filling is made from materials that are impervious to bacteria and tooth decay, it is still possible for a filling to fall out. Large fillings and old fillings tend to fail easier than small fillings. The most common cause of a missing filling is a product of bacteria slowly working on the seam between the cement holding the filling in place and your healthy tooth enamel.
If you have a missing filling, you need to call Dr. [doctor_name] as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Early resolution reduces your chances of developing serious complications in the tooth.
Sometimes Dr. [doctor_name] can merely replace the missing filling by simply removing a little more enamel from the area before cementing a new, larger filling in its place.
If a missing filling leaves a large void in the tooth enamel, Dr. [doctor_name] might recommend that the tooth be restored with a crown. A crown essentially replaces the entire enamel layer of a tooth with an artificial material. This preserves the healthy interior of the tooth, while restoring its full function. What the crown is made of, will vary depending on the primary function of the tooth and its appearance in your smile.
If you have a missing filling, you need to call Dr. [doctor_name] at [phone] to schedule an appointment.