How long does filling a small cavity take

Dental fillings are one of the most commonly performed procedures that dentists do. When a tooth has been compromised by decay, a filling is a repair job that restores its form and function, protecting it against future damage. But how long does a filling take, and how long can you expect to spend in your dentist’s chair? Let’s take a look.

How Long Do Dental Fillings Take?

A simple and small dental filling made out of composite resin may only take 15 to 20 minutes, but it might be discovered during a routine clean, and you may already have been in your dentist’s chair for 20 or 30 minutes by that stage. If you don’t have the time to spare, you may be able to make a follow-up appointment to have it completed, unless your dentist is very concerned about the extent of the tooth decay.

In the event that your dentist is using a different material for dental fillings, it could take a little longer than 20 minutes.

If your dentist is making your dental fillings from an impression of your tooth, you will probably need to go back for a second visit so that the filling can be bonded to your teeth.

If you are having gold or porcelain dental fillings, it’s quite likely that you will have the procedure completed over two visits. During your first visit, your dentist will remove the tooth decay and clean the cavity before taking an impression. During your second visit, the filling will be bonded to your teeth.

How Long Does A Filling Take When It’s A Replacement?

Dental fillings do not last forever, and after a few years, they may loosen and fall out and need to be replaced. If your dentist is using the same filling material as previously, the replacement will take the same period of time as the original filling.

How The Process Works?

How long does filling a small cavity take
First, your dentist will inject some local anaesthetic into the gum around the tooth to be filled. Once it has taken effect he or she will remove tooth decay using a dental drill. The decayed material needs to be cleaned out so that it does not continue to corrode your tooth. The cavity might need to be shaped or etched.

Once this is done, your dentist will fill the cavity with the filling material or take an impression of your tooth. Some types of filling material need to be hardened with a blue light. Once this is all done, the area needs to be polished. This is done to ensure there are no sharp surfaces that can injure your tongue or cheeks.

If you are having multiple dental fillings to treat tooth decay, it’s best to ask your dentist how long does a filling take before the procedure so you can plan appropriately.

To find out more about ‘how long does a filling take’ or to learn how to avoid dental decay in the future it’s always best to speak to a professional. Please contact us for a convenient appointment at (02) 4210 9078.

References

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 a Cavity?
https://www.colgate.com/en-za/oral-health/fillings/how-long-does-it-take-to-fill-a-cavity

How long does filling a small cavity take

Almost everyone will need to have a dental cavity filled at some point during their lifetime. In fact, filling procedures are one of the most commonly performed dental procedures, with the American Dental Association estimating that 175 million fillings are performed yearly. However, if this is your first dental filling and you are taking time off from school or work, you may be wondering how long it takes to get a dental filling. 

Dental fillings are essential restorative dental procedures used to treat decayed teeth. By removing decayed tissue and filling in the remaining cavity, dental fillings prevent tooth decay from continuing to spread. Because they are one of the most commonly performed restorative procedures, they can be performed quickly and effectively. 

The average time it takes to get a dental filling ranges from 20 minutes to an hour. In most cases, placing a dental filling is a relatively simple and painless procedure. First your mouth will be anesthetized to numb the affected area. Then, any decayed tissue will be removed and the remaining tooth structure will be shaped according to the filling. While the first few steps are pretty much the same in most cases, there are some factors that can affect what happens during the later steps, as well as how long the procedure is expected to take. 

How long does filling a small cavity take

For starters, there are two different types of fillings that your general dentist may opt to place: direct and indirect. If your dentist is placing a direct filling, then the next step would simply be to add the filling material into the remaining space. The two most common dental materials used for direct fillings are silver amalgam and composite resin. Silver amalgam fillings, also known as metal fillings, take slightly longer to place because they require the removal of excess tooth material. For this reason, and several others, composite resin is quickly becoming a more common dental filing choice. This material will then be polished and shaped to preserve your natural bite. 

How long does filling a small cavity take

If, on the other hand, your dentist is placing an indirect filling, the next step would be to take a dental impression of your mouth. This is because indirect fillings will need to be custom fabricated to your teeth by a dental lab before your dentist can adhere them to the affected tooth. Inlays and onlays are the two kinds of indirect fillings used to restore teeth with significant amounts of decay. Inlays are recommended when the entire chewing surface of the tooth is decayed, while onlays are recommended if the entire tooth plus one or more cusps is decayed. Once the inlay or onlay has been fabricated, it will then be adhered to the affected tooth. It is important to note that indirect fillings usually require a second appointment for placement. 

Overall, the average time to complete a dental filling is about 20 minutes to an hour. However, the exact time it takes to get a dental filling can deviate based upon things like the type of filling, dental material, and the size of the decayed area. While direct fillings can be completed in a single dental appointment, indirect fillings require the use of a dental lab and a minimum of two dental appointments. Ultimately, to determine how long your filling procedure will take, it is important to speak with your dentist about your proposed treatment plan. 

How long does filling a small cavity take

Dr. Deborah TabbPatients at Bethesda Family Dentistry benefit from the knowledge and experience that only comes from a diverse team. From general dentistry to endodontic, periodontics, and cosmetic dental services, this Bethesda, MD clinic is ready to be the only source you need for all your oral health needs.

Does filling a small cavity hurt?

Q: Is it painful to have cavity fillings? No. Your dentist will numb the area and use a numbing gel before injecting a local anesthetic known as Lidocaine. You may feel a bit of a sting, but that's a reaction from the local anesthetic when it starts to block the nerve signals to stop the pain.

How long do 3 small fillings take?

The number of fillings Needless to say, the more fillings you do, the more time it would take your dentist to finish the procedure. One cavity filling may only take 20-30 minutes. Two cavity fillings may take 30-45 minutes. Three cavity fillings may take 45-60 minutes.

How do they fill a tiny cavity?

Before filling cavities, your dentist will numb your teeth, gums and surrounding skin to avoid and lessen discomfort during the procedure. Next, he or she will drill out the decay in the tooth and replace it with a filling. This process only takes a few minutes.

How long does it take to get two small cavities filled?

This procedure typically takes anywhere from 10 minutes to one hour but, of course, that time will vary depending on the size and location of the cavity. A filling is a common dental procedure that is often used to repair teeth that are chipped or decayed on one, two or three surfaces when damage is mild to moderate.