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.
People who require multiple fillings often ask how many tooth fillings can be done at once. Technically, there is no limit to the number of filling you can get in one session. However, dentists do not recommend having more than three fillings at a time. Your mouth needs time to heal after the dental fillings procedure.
The procedure typically takes anywhere from 10 minutes to one hour but the time will vary depending on the size and location of the cavity. While fillings are a great way to repair mild to moderate damage, more significant damage may require the use of an onlay or full coverage crown.
Here's the short answer: No. Most fillings cause little to no discomfort during any part of the procedure.
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.
The Ins and Outs of Eating with a Filling
You can eat or drink right after the procedure. A composite filling hardens immediately under UV light. Still, your dentist might recommend that you wait at least two hours before eating because your cheeks and gums might be a little numb from the anesthetic.
When brushing teeth, take more care brushing in and around the filling. The filling may feel a bit tender a day after particularly by the gumline. Therefore, when brushing around the area, do it softly and slowly. You should be able to brush normally after the 24 hours has passed and the filling settles.
Generally, having a cavity filled takes an hour or less. Some simple fillings may take as little as 20 minutes while a larger filling or multiple fillings could take longer. If you have multiple fillings, your dentist may choose to spread the fillings out over a few visits.
Don't hesitate to brush your teeth or floss after a filling.
Did you know that you don't have to wait to brush your teeth or floss after a dental filling? As long as you brush gently and floss carefully around the tooth, you should be able to keep the area clean as usual.
Can I Work After Getting a Cavity Filled? Yes, a cavity filling procedure will not prohibit you from going to work. You should only feel minor discomfort. If you feel severe pain after receiving a filling, contact your dentist.
However, most teeth can safely have up to three fillings. If a tooth has more than three fillings, there is a greater risk of the tooth breaking or developing problems with the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth.
For example, if you had a filling made with gold or another metal, you can usually start eating right away. However, if your filling was made with a composite resin or another type of tooth-colored material, it's important to wait at least 24 hours before chewing on anything hard.
So, if you have one dental filling, maybe it's OK. But if you have more than eight dental filings, the potential risk for adverse effect is higher," Yu said. People with numerous dental fillings who are also exposed to mercury from other sources, such as seafood or work environments, are most at risk.
In general, adults develop an average of three cavities during their lifetimes. This means that the average adult has three or four fillings in their mouth.
Most dentists will not perform more than 4 fillings in one sitting. Technically there is no limit to home many fillings can be given at a time. However, we do not recommend doing more than four at one time.
The number one question many people have before getting their first cavity filled is, “Does it hurt to get a cavity filled?” The good news is, getting a cavity filled is usually a painless procedure and can actually help to relieve discomfort.
Some people elect to not have numbing gels or anaesthetics when having a cavity filled, but does I hurt when you get a cavity filled without numbing? Well, the answer should be no. When having a filling, your dentist won't reach the dental pulp inside the tooth where nerve endings are, so no pain should be experienced.
Don'ts After Dental Filling
Sugary foods – These foods may trigger teeth sensitivity and promote bacterial growth around the new filling. Hot and cold food and beverages – Since a newly filled tooth increase teeth sensitivity, these kinds of foods may have a painful effect on you.
There are procedures such as simple fillings that require a little local anesthetic to the tooth, which typically wears off within a few hours. It does not inhibit speaking or cause drowsiness, so yes, returning to work is fine.
Avoid eating hard and sticky items
Foods such as candies, caramels, jerky, tough meats, or hard nuts may damage the newly filled tooth. It is better to eat soft foods, such as eggs, yogurt, pudding, or smoothies for a day or so after the procedure.
It is common to experience sensitivity to air and to cold or hot food (or drink items) for up to three weeks after a dental filling.
In most situations, the anesthesia your dentist uses will numb the tooth for 1 to 2 hours. Additionally, the following 3 to 5 hours may leave your lips, face, and tongue numb, which can be frustrating if you're attempting to return to normal activities immediately following your appointment.