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.
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.
Do cavity fillings hurt? Here's the short answer: No. Most fillings cause little to no discomfort during any part of the procedure. This is a result of using highly effective numbing agents.
Dentists recommend patients who have had tooth filling to wait at least 2 hours before they resume eating anything. Even then, you should avoid very hard or sticky foods. Chewing a pizza requires greater effort by your teeth, especially when you're eating chicken or beef pizza.
You can generally eat right after leaving the dentist's office, however, you may have to wait 2+ hours to eat if you are still numb from the numbing agent used.
After getting dental fillings, you might want to refrain from having hot and cold beverages for a few days. Sticky, complex, and chewy foods are better avoided for approximately two weeks. Anything that requires excessive chewing, like meat or hard bites, is best avoided.
To ensure you don't feel any pain, your dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding area. They'll either use a topical gel or local anesthetic administered by injection. This injection feels like a minor pinprick. Some dentists use nitrous oxide gas, also referred to as “laughing gas” to make you more comfortable.
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 good news for you is that in most cases, an injection is no longer needed when carrying out a tooth filling procedure. This doesn't mean it will be carried out without an anaesthetic or without numbing the area – it just means you probably won't need an injection.
Your teeth will be mildly sensitive for the first few days when biting down after the filling. Usually, the bite will get better within a month or less. If you are experiencing severe pain or sensitivity or finding it hard to close your mouth or eat, visit your dentist and have your bite examined.
If your appointment is later in the day, brushing again prior to your appointment is helpful but not required. The dentist will thoroughly clean the area before placing the filling, so it's okay if you've had something to eat or drink after you last brushed your teeth.
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.
How long will the procedure take? On average, a dental filling procedure shouldn't take longer than an hour. A simple filling can sometimes take as little as 20 minutes.
Small fillings mean that more of your tooth is healthy. A small filling, regardless of the material used to fill it, will last longer than big fillings. With big fillings, not only is less of your tooth left, but also the size of the filling itself can lead to problems down the road, such as: Your filling falls out.
This is because the movement caused by flossing between teeth might dislodge or damage the filling.
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.
Once a tooth is extracted, you may need stitches and will experience a dull ache for a few days. You will also need to avoid certain foods which may irritate the extraction site. With a filling, there should be no discomfort and you will be able to eat your regular diet as soon as the numbing agent wears off.
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.
No Needles, No Drill, and No Pain
The reason your dentist normally numbs your mouth as part of the filling process is that they must use a drill to remove decayed tissue from inside the tooth. Without anesthesia, you may feel some twinges of pain while that is happening.
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.
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.
It is important to leave the affected part of the mouth alone and not do anything that may result in damage. This includes playing contact sports and eating hard or sticky foods (see below). Once the mouth recovers after approximately 12 hours, patients can return to a normal routine.
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.
What can I take before a filling? It's best to avoid eating or drinking anything before a dental filling. However, if you must eat or drink something, it's important to avoid anything acidic, such as citrus fruits and juices, coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks.