How Long Does It Take to Get a Filling?

One of the most popular dental procedures is filling. It's essentially a restorative procedure to heal the damage caused by tooth decay. It's usually a painless operation that takes around an hour to complete. 

Continue reading to learn more about what to expect if you require a filling, the most common materials used, and how long a filling takes to set and heal. 

What can you expect?

Fillings are usually a straightforward procedure. To begin, your dentist will inspect your mouth and check for cavities with dental instruments. To determine the level of dental decay, they may take an X-ray of the tooth or teeth.

A local anaesthetic will be used to numb the tooth region. This will aid in the prevention of any pain. If the filling is only on the surface of the tooth, you may not need anaesthesia.

After the region has been numbed, your dentist will most likely use a dental drill to remove the deterioration from the tooth enamel.

Finally, your dentist will polish the tooth and examine your bite to ensure that it is in proper working order.

Your teeth may feel a little painful or sensitive once the numbing wears off, but you should not experience any pain. You should avoid really hot or cold foods and beverages for a day or two, but you can eat normally after that. 

What is the average time it takes to get a filling?

A filling usually takes an hour or less. In certain cases, a basic filling can be completed in as little as 20 minutes. It may take longer if the filling is larger or if there are several fillings.

It could sometimes take longer or require a second visit, depending on the materials used for the filling. Consider the following example:

• It takes longer to layer composite resin material into your tooth, but it can be done in one visit.

• Some composite fillings require a second visit to bind the filling because they are formed from an imprint. 
• Inlays and Onlays, commonly known as gold or porcelain fillings, are usually not done in one sitting. The cavity will be filled at the first visit, and an impression of your tooth will be taken, which will be sent to a lab for fabrication. The filling is sealed to your tooth at the next appointment.
• Replacing an older filling takes about the same time as the original filling, or somewhat longer if the old filling material needs to be drilled out. The cavity is cleaned, and the old filling material is removed before the new filling material is put in. 

When it comes to fillings, how long does it take for them to set?

The time it takes for your filling to be set is determined by the material your dentist employs.

Amalgam fillings are set slowly in the first hour and fully in around 24 hours. It's advisable to wait until the filling has been completely set before eating hard items with this type of filling.

Light curing is common for composite and glass ionomer fillings. They are applied in 1 to 2 millimetre thick layers, requiring 2 to 20 seconds per layer.

With the help of the dentist's blue wavelength light, ceramic fillings are set almost instantly. The bonding adhesive that holds it in place has already been machined or burned, and it cures in seconds. 

Visit our Affordable Dental Care clinic to get a tooth filling.