How Long Do Dental Fillings Take?

Dental fillings are a common treatment that most of us will need in our lifetimes. Fillings restore the function and integrity of a damaged tooth due to decay or trauma.
If you’re facing the prospect of having a filling, we know you might have a few questions, which this blog post will hopefully answer. One of the most common questions is ‘How long do dental fillings take?‘

There are a few types of dental fillings so the answer could vary depending on which treatment you need. But the good news is that most fillings are quick and painless, so don’t put off a filling procedure if you’ve been told you need one.

Why do I need a dental filling?

When a cavity forms (a hole in the tooth caused by tooth decay), you’ll need to address it promptly to prevent further damage, decay, infection, or potential tooth loss. Untreated cavities could result in pain and teeth sensitivity, they can even cause the affected tooth to break.

A dental filling will help to close the cavity but also protect the tooth from bacteria. It’s not uncommon to end up with multiple fillings since cavities are thought to affect up to half of the world’s population.

What causes cavities?

A tooth cavity can be caused by lots of different things including the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, inadequate teeth cleaning, dry mouth and even the location of your tooth.

You can prevent cavities by prioritising your oral health – frequent and thorough cleaning and making sure you keep up with your dental hygiene appointments.

How long does the dental filling procedure take?

The answer to this question will depend on the complexity of your case and the type of filling material you choose. If you have large cavities or need more than one filling, your procedure will take longer than a simple filling, for example.

Amalgam Fillings

Probably the most common type of filling material, which is made from a mixture of metals including silver, mercury, tin, and copper. Amalgam fillings are durable and resistant to wear so they’re useful on the back teeth where there might be lots of pressure from chewing. You can expect a straightforward amalgam-filling procedure to take around 30 minutes.

White Fillings

Also known as composite fillings, white fillings are relatively quick to perform and may take as little as 15 – 20 minutes. They’re made from a composite resin that’s tooth-coloured and therefore blends seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. They’re not ideal for high-stress areas in your mouth but they are great if you don’t want your dental filling to be visible.

Ceramic Fillings

Often made from porcelain, ceramic fillings are just as discreet as white fillings however they can withstand considerable pressure. It may take up to an hour to get a ceramic filling and you may need several appointments because these fillings might need to be made in a dental lab.

Gold Fillings

Gold is one of the most durable filling materials however they are expensive and might not be economical if your cavity-filled tooth is in an area that won’t be visible when you smile. You may need several appointments with your dentist for this type of filling.

Glass Ionomer Fillings

Glass fillings release fluoride which can help protect against further tooth decay, but they tend not to be as strong as other dental fillings. They’re tooth-coloured; made from a mixture of glass and acrylic and applied to the affected tooth in layers. The whole procedure can take between 20 minutes to an hour per tooth.

Filling Procedures: What to expect

Your procedure will begin with an examination by your dentist to determine the extent of decay. This is done either by a visual inspection or X-rays if necessary.

You may then be given a local anaesthetic to numb the affected area before the dentist removes any decayed tissue. The tooth cavity will then be cleaned and prepared for your chosen filling.

The new filling may take up to 24 hours to set fully, and you’ll be given instructions on appropriate dental care. Some patients experience tooth sensitivity after a filling procedure but this should subside once the filling has settled in place.