How long does a cavity fill take?

How long does a cavity fill take?

June 1, 2022

Fillings stop the progression of tooth decay by filling the holes in teeth caused by cavities. It helps in bringing back the looks and functioning of affected teeth. In earlier days, dental fillings are manufactured using metal alloys. But today, composite dental fillings near you are famous.

Fillings prevent the further deterioration of the tooth by creating a roadblock against harmful bacteria in the mouth. Because the filling procedure is simple, it does not take much time. How long a dental filling takes usually depends upon the overall health of the patient, the location, type, or size of the cavity, and the material that the dental professional uses for filling it. It could also require a second dental visit.

How Much Time a Filling Takes?

The filling process usually takes from 10 minutes to one hour. The majority of dental offices use advanced dental technology. This allows the patient to get inlays and Onlays in a single dental appointment. However, if you are receiving multiple or large dental fillings, it will take longer.

Composite dental fillings are manufactured from the impression of the patient’s tooth. It takes more time to complete and needs you to have a second visit for the bonding of filling.

Porcelain or gold dental fillings (Onlays and in-lays) require just one sitting if the dental office possesses the needed equipment. Otherwise, it needs multiple dental visits. Contact our clinic to know dental fillings cost with insurance.

The Process of Dental Fillings

Getting a dental filling is an in-office process. If you or your children have severe dental phobia, the dental professional uses general anesthesia or sedation. It helps in numbing the region surrounding the affected tooth before starting drilling.

The steps of filling differ depending on the filling material used and the location of filling. Many dental professionals use dental fillings made using composite resin. Others may use silver amalgam, porcelain, glass ionomer fillings, etc.

Below is the guide to how a dentist fills a cavity in a tooth step by step:

  • The first step includes applying numbing gel to the gums. After that, the dentist injects local anesthesia into the gums.
  • The next step includes the elimination of the decay on the tooth. The dental expert cuts enamel using a laser or a specialized tool known as a drill. In the case of laser dental filling, there is no need for anesthesia. The dentist uses an acid gel to sanitize the region. It helps in eliminating debris and bacteria.
  • The dental expert creates your tooth impression and sends it to a dental laboratory for dental filling manufacturing.
  • Next, shape the area and disinfect it for the addition of filling. After that, the dentist fills the tooth hole using filling material. It helps in replacing the area of the tooth the decay has destroyed. The dental expert also molds the dental filling to match your tooth shape.
  • The dentist then polished the dental filling and adjusted it so that you feel comfortable while biting.

Note: If the dental professional uses a composite dental filling material, the dentist cures and makes it hard using a special light. It usually requires a second dental visit to bond the filling material.

How Long Do Fillings Last? 

A dental filling can stay for 5-10 years with proper dental care. The lifespan usually depends on your regular dental care, materials used, and the amount of pressure the filling tolerates from bruxism and chewing.

With time, you may notice some cracks or your filling getting loose. In some cases, it may come out of your mouth. This attracts bacteria into the tooth. If not treated on time, it may further require tooth pulling or a root canal.

It is essential to schedule dental cleanings two times a year. During this, the dental professional evaluate your teeth and existing dental fillings to look out for the wear and tear. When your old filling creates a risk for your tooth, the dentist in Waterford will tell you immediately.

Getting Dental Filling at the Waterford Dentist

Please do not wait to book a dental visit with our dental expert to receive dental fillings for sensitive teeth. Our expert will tell you exactly how long your dental filling will take.

Replacing an old dental filling usually takes the same time as the original filling. However, it may take longer if your existing filling material requires drilling.

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