How long does it take for a tooth filling

About the author: Dr David Chen, DDS

Hello, I'm Dr Chen and I'm an actively practicing dentist in Long Island City, NY. I graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2016 but prior to going to dental school I was already working in the dental field. It's been more than a decade since I first got to know dentistry and let me tell you, time flies by quickly. Since then I've developed a fondness for writing, which is how this all got started!

Association Memberships:

  • American Dental Association

  • New York State Dental Association

  • Queens Count Dental Society

Medical Disclaimer:

This blog is purely meant for information purposes and should not be used as medical advice. Each situation in your mouth is unique and complex. It is not possible to give advice nor diagnose any oral conditions based on text nor virtual consultations. The best thing to do is to go in person to see your dentist for an examination and consultation so that you can receive the best care possible.

The purpose of all of this oral health information is to encourage you to see your dentist and to inform you of what you may expect during your visit. Due to the unfortunate nature of dentistry, there isn't really any true home remedies that will get rid of dental problems. Roughly 99.99% of them require in-person intervention by a healthcare professional.

Hint: That is the reason why you can't eliminate seeing dentists in your life!

The Australian Oral Health Tracker reports only 51% of adults brush their teeth twice a day and that tooth decay is Australia’s most common chronic disease. 25.5% of Australians over age 15 have untreated tooth decay.  

Dental fillings are a simple, standard dental procedure that can save your smile. Untreated tooth decay can lead to tooth loss, an aged appearance, and problems with eating and talking. Don’t let this happen to you. Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and follow up with the necessary dental treatment to protect your oral health.  

However, even with an excellent at-home oral hygiene regimen and routine dental visits, you can still get a cavity. If this is your first filling, you may be wondering how long does a filling take

How Long Does a Filling Take: An Overview 

Dental fillings take 20-60 minutes to complete once the site is numb, but this depends on the amount of tooth decay that needs to be removed and the size of the cavity. 

Composite resin dental fillings typically take more time to complete than amalgam (silver) fillings because the material is placed in layers. Each layer has to be cured before the dentist can apply the next one. This bonding process makes your tooth even stronger than it was before.   

At Dapto Dentists, we use tooth-coloured composite resin filling material to restore your tooth for a natural-looking smile. Using composite resin also allows us to preserve more of your natural tooth. 

If your tooth decay has damaged more than 50% of your tooth, we may recommend an indirect dental filling, such as an inlay or onlay.

Like traditional dental fillings, inlays fit inside the tooth to replace a small amount of tooth structure damaged by tooth decay. They are bonded to the tooth and improve the tooth’s strength. 

Onlays (partial crowns) are also bonded to the tooth but extend onto the chewing surface to replace one or more cusps. 

These tooth-coloured restorations are fabricated off-site so take more than one visit. You will need one appointment to prep the tooth and take an impression for restoration and another to fit the inlay or onlay. 

A tooth with severe tooth decay may require a dental crown to restore its appearance, strength and function. 

How Long Does a Filling Take: What Does Getting Dental Fillings Involve?  

Dental fillings are a common dental treatment that saves your natural tooth from further decay. If you have been prescribed a dental filling, here are the steps your dentist takes to repair your tooth: 

  • Apply a numbing gel to the gum tissue around your affected tooth
    How long does it take for a tooth filling
  • Inject a local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure
  • Isolate the affected tooth and use a suction tool to keep it dry
  • Use a dental drill to remove the tooth decay 
  • Etch the inside of the tooth with a weak acid to help the composite filling bond  
  • Apply a thin bonding gel to the roughened edge   
  • Place the composite material inside the hole
  • Use a special light to harden the composite material
  • Add more layers and cure each layer until the hole is filled 
  • Smooth out any rough or high areas 
  • Use articulating paper to check your bite 

Book Your Check-Up with Dapto Dentists

Bi-annual check-ups and hygiene cleanings can help us identify small cavities and treat them with dental fillings before they become more invasive and expensive treatments. If you need a filling and are concerned about the procedure and how long does a filling take, our dentists can walk you through the steps.

All our dentists are ADA members and attend regular development programs to stay abreast of new techniques and technologies to ensure you have a high-quality and comfortable dental experience. 

Call us now on (02) 4210 9058.

References

2018 Australia’s Adult Oral Health Tracker
https://www.ada.org.au/Dental-Professionals/Australia-s-Oral-Health-Tracker/Australia-s-Oral-Health-Tracker-Adults/ADA_AHPC_oralhealthtracker2018_adults_08032018.aspx 

Cavity Filling Timeline and Recovery
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-filling

How long does it take to fill 3 cavities?

The maximum time required for filling a moderate cavity doesn't exceed 40 minutes per tooth. Therefore if you have three intermediate holes, expect to spend about a couple of hours at the dentist's office to restore your tooth to full functionality with dental fillings.

How long do fillings take to fully set?

Patients usually find that amalgam fillings take around 24 hours to set, whereas white composite fillings are set whilst you're still in the practice. Nevertheless, we still recommend taking the same care of your filling, regardless of the material.

Is tooth filling process painful?

During a filling you are unlikely to feel a thing. A filling does not happen in areas of the tooth where there are nerves, so you shouldn't feel any more pain from the procedure than you would feel from cutting your hair. No nerves = no pain.

How long does a tooth filling take to heal?

How long until my filling is okay? You will be able to eat and drink normally after approximately two to four weeks, with the sensitivity getting better each day. However, this varies from patient to patient and depends on the severity and size of the filling.