How Long Does a Filling Take To Get at the Dentist?
Fillings are among the most common procedures performed by dental providers. While most are completed in mere minutes, the time it takes to receive a filling can vary depending on several factors. Join us as we answer the question, “How long does a filling take?” so you know what to expect from your dental restoration.
How long does it take to get a filling?
The actual dental filling process usually takes between 20 and 60 minutes per tooth, but that doesn’t include preliminary steps like imaging. Here’s the typical breakdown:
Preparation and numbing: 10 to 15 minutes
Decay removal and filling: 15 to 45 minutes
Shaping and polishing: 5 to 15 minutes
Before the procedure
Before your dentist can place a filling, they must first know the extent of the damage. They will begin by taking dental X-rays and performing a visual inspection to determine the size and depth of the cavity. Then, they will discuss your treatment options with you, so you can determine which filling material you prefer.
The final step before the filling begins is to numb the area using local anesthesia. You may feel a brief pinch from the injection, followed by mild pressure and a gradual loss of sensation in the area.
During the procedure
Once the area is completely numb, your provider will begin cleaning the cavity, or hole, to remove any decayed tissue. This may be performed using drills, abrasion tools, or even laser devices. While you will hear the sounds of the instruments and feel subtle vibrations in your mouth, you should not feel any pain. Next, the area is thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any remaining bacteria or debris.
In most cases, your dentist will apply the material in layers, using a curing light to harden each layer before placing the next. During this process, they will carefully shape the filling to match the contours of your tooth.
Adjustments
After filling the cavity, your dentist will ask you to bite down on a specialized marking paper, which helps them identify areas where the filling may be uneven or too high. If anything is out of place, they will gently reshape the material to ensure it doesn’t affect your bite alignment or cause discomfort.
What other factors affect how long it takes to get a filling?
How long a filling takes to complete is determined by the extent of decay as well as a few other factors, including:
Type of material
Most modern fillings are made of composite resin, which is placed in layers and cured one level at a time. In terms of treatment time, this material falls somewhere in the middle of the standard options.
Silver amalgam fillings usually take less time to complete, as they can be packed into the cavity more efficiently. However, these are not very common today, especially for visible teeth. On the other hand, ceramic and gold may require additional steps and appointments, leading to longer treatment times.
How many fillings you need
Of course, the number of fillings you need will have a major impact on how long your appointment will take. If you have several untreated cavities due to poor oral hygiene or a medical condition, your treatment could span several hours or require multiple sessions.
Lab-made fillings
Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to protect teeth with cavities that are too advanced for a regular filling but not severe enough to require a crown. These fillings are more involved, and include taking an impression of the tooth, placing a temporary restoration while the permanent one is made, then returning for a second appointment to place the final product.
How long does it take fillings to set?
Despite how long your dental appointment takes, your filling may require more time to cure completely. Here’s how different materials stack up:
Amalgam
Silver amalgam fillings begin to set right away and continue hardening over the next several hours. These typically reach full strength after about 24 hours. The same is true of glass ionomer fillings, which are often used for small cavities or baby teeth.
In the days after your appointment, avoid hard, crunchy, sticky foods as well as hot and cold beverages, which can cause discomfort or even damage the filling.
Ceramic
Ceramic fillings and porcelain inlays and onlays are usually fabricated before placement, meaning the material has already hardened. Still, it’s best to avoid hard foods for the rest of the day as the bonding materials fully stabilize.
Composite
Popular for use after basic fillings and root canals, composite fillings are cured instantly with a specialized light that hardens each layer in seconds.
The team at Coral Reef Dental makes fillings quick and easy!
Ready to get your oral health on track? Coral Reef offers specialized dental care for routine and emergency conditions. If you notice a dark spot or rough texture on a tooth, contact our team to address it before it develops into a serious issue!