Dental Fillings

Dental Filling: What to Expect?

Most dental fillings are completed quickly, often within an hour. However, if you require multiple fillings or have larger areas of decay, the appointment may take longer and occasionally may be split into two visits depending on the type of filling material used.


  • The procedure begins with a careful examination of the affected tooth.
  • Local anesthesia may be administered to ensure you are completely comfortable during the process.
  • Your dentist will gently remove the decayed portion of the tooth, clean the area thoroughly, and prepare it for restoration.
  • Once prepared, the filling material is carefully placed, shaped, and polished to restore the natural look and function of your tooth.


After your appointment, you may experience mild sensitivity. We recommend avoiding extremely hot or cold foods and beverages for the first 24 to 48 hours to help your tooth adjust to the new filling and ensure optimal healing.

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Types of Dental Fillings

When it comes to restoring your tooth, several filling material options are available based on your needs:


  • Silver-Colored Fillings (Amalgam) | A durable blend of mercury, silver, tin, and copper.
  • Gold Fillings | A premium option combining gold, copper, and other metals; highly durable but more costly.
  • White Fillings (Composites) | Made of glass or quartz particles and acrylic resin, offering a natural tooth-colored appearance.
  • Glass Ionomer Fillings | Tooth-colored but less durable than composites; they slowly release fluoride, making them ideal for children's teeth.
  • Porcelain Fillings | Custom-made in a dental lab for a more natural look, similar to gold fillings in fabrication style.
  • Temporary Fillings | Used to protect a tooth until a permanent filling or crown can be placed.

How Quickly Can A Filling Be Completed? 

Most dental fillings can be completed in about an hour. Thanks to advances in technology, procedures like inlays and onlays can often be performed in a single appointment. However, larger or multiple fillings may require additional time or a follow-up visit.

Here's what the process typically looks like:


  • Your dentist will examine the tooth visually and may take an X-ray to assess the extent of decay.
  • Local anesthesia will be used to numb the area if necessary, although surface-level fillings might not require it.
  • Decay is removed using a dental drill, laser, or air abrasion tool.
  • The area is sterilized and prepared for the filling material.
  • The filling is placed, shaped, and hardened, often using a special curing light for certain materials.
  • Finally, your dentist polishes the tooth and checks your bite to ensure it feels natural.


Once the anesthesia wears off, you may notice mild sensitivity, which typically resolves quickly. To aid recovery, avoid eating very hot or cold foods for a couple of days.

  • Dental Fillings For A Child

    Children also commonly experience cavities, even if they have great oral hygiene and a healthy diet. Dental fillings for children are often completed as quickly as they are for adults, although there are a few additional factors to consider.


    For example, children under the age of five might need anesthesia if they are unable to sit still for the duration of the treatment. Due to this, your child's appointment might be longer, especially if they need to recover afterward from the anesthesia.


    You can discuss your child's necessary accommodations with your dentist and also confirm how long the filling process will take.

  • Recovering After A Dental Filling

    Most patients will notice that their dental fillings heal swiftly and without complications. As the anesthetic effect lessens, your tooth might experience sensitivity for a day or two. You can limit tooth sensitivity by following these steps:


    • chewing on the other side of your mouth for two days
    • gently brushing and flossing around the filling
    • avoiding hot or cold foods and beverages
    • avoiding acidic foods
    • brushing with a desensitizing toothpaste
    • asking your dentist about a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory prescription

    Inform your dentist if your bite feels misaligned or if you experience any extensive pain or sensitivity. Your dentist can modify the filling surface to correct your bite.

  • Pain Following A Dental Filling

    When the filling is completed, you may experience slight discomfort in the area near your dental work for a few hours. If you are highly uncomfortable, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever or apply a small amount of heat or an ice pack to your jaw.


    Anesthesia wears off completely in two to seven hours, so you might feel slight discomfort as your nerves regain their normal function.


    You are encouraged to avoid acidic foods, sticky foods, and cold foods for a day or two to ensure that the cavity is completely sealed and that you do not experience further discomfort.

  • How To Know If You Need A Dental Filling

    Routine dental checkups allow your dentist to identify a cavity early and offer immediate treatment, which will provide you with a superior and more comfortable outcome (treatment will be less invasive than if you were to visit your dentist less regularly and the issue is discovered at a more advanced stage). Symptoms of a possible cavity include:


    • tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages
    • sensitivity to sugary foods and beverages
    • extensive discomfort in a tooth
    • a hole or pit within a tooth
    • a significant tooth stain, whether it is white or a darker color

    If you believe that you have a cavity, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. They will confirm whether you require a filling or another form of treatment.