When you visit the dentist for a cavity, one of the first questions that comes to mind is how long does it take to fill a cavity. Time matters. People want to know how much of their day will be spent in the dental chair and what the procedure involves.
The truth is that the cavity filling time varies. Small cavities can be filled in about 20 minutes, while deep cavities or multiple fillings can take more than an hour. The type of material used, whether it’s a composite filling or amalgam filling, also affects the procedure length.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn about the average time to fill a cavity, what happens during the appointment, what recovery looks like, and answers to common questions people ask on Google.
Average Time to Fill a Cavity
The average time to fill a cavity is between 20 and 60 minutes per tooth.
Several factors influence this time:
◉ The size of the cavity.
◉ The location of the tooth.
◉ The number of cavities treated in one session.
◉ The filling material chosen.
A quick breakdown:
◉ Small cavity filling – 20 to 30 minutes.
◉ Deep cavity filling – 40 to 60 minutes.
◉ Multiple cavity fillings – 1 to 2 hours.
This shows why there’s no single answer to how long do dental fillings take. Each situation is different.
Step-by-Step Cavity Filling Procedure
Patients often look for a clear explanation of the cavity filling process. Knowing the steps makes the visit less stressful. Here’s what usually happens:
◉ Numbing and anesthesia – Your dentist injects local anesthesia to block pain. This adds 5–10 minutes.
◉ Decay removal – Using a dental drill, laser, or air abrasion, the decayed tooth material is removed.
◉ Tooth cleaning – The cavity is disinfected and dried.
◉ Filling placement – A chosen material, often composite or amalgam, is placed in layers.
◉ Shaping and polishing – The filling is shaped to match your bite and polished for smoothness.
From start to finish, this tooth restoration procedure can be quick, but more complex cases add extra minutes.
How Long Does It Take for Different Cavities?
Here’s the breakdown:
◉ Small cavity filling – 20 to 30 minutes. These are quick because less tooth structure is removed.
◉ Deep cavity filling – 40 to 60 minutes. Decay near the nerve requires careful work.
◉ Two cavity fillings – About 40 to 60 minutes total.
◉ Three cavity fillings – 1 to 1.5 hours.
So if you’re asking how long to get a tooth filled, the answer depends on how severe the cavity is and how many fillings you need in one appointment.
Types of Fillings and Procedure Time
Not all fillings take the same amount of time. The material matters.
◉ Composite filling (white, tooth-colored)
Takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Needs multiple layers and curing light.
Popular for front teeth.
◉ Amalgam filling (silver)
Takes 20 to 40 minutes.
Faster and durable, but less aesthetic.
◉ Glass ionomer
Around 20 to 30 minutes.
Often used for temporary fillings or in children.
So when patients ask how long does a white filling take, the answer is slightly longer than an amalgam filling because of the extra curing and layering steps.
Dentist Appointment Length for Fillings
Many people want to know how long is a cavity filling appointment. The actual procedure is only part of the visit.
Breakdown of the total time:
◉ Preparation and numbing – 5 to 10 minutes.
◉ Cavity filling procedure – 20 to 60 minutes per tooth.
◉ Post-treatment instructions – 5 to 10 minutes.
In total, a dentist appointment for cavity filling usually lasts 45 to 90 minutes. If you have more than one cavity or need X-rays, it could be longer.
Recovery and Aftercare
Another common search is how long does it take to recover from a filling. The recovery is usually quick.
◉ The numbness wears off in 1 to 3 hours.
◉ Sensitivity to hot or cold can last for a few days.
◉ Normal eating is possible a few hours after treatment.
Aftercare tips:
◉ Wait until the numbness fully disappears before chewing to avoid biting your cheek or tongue.
◉ Start with soft foods if sensitivity is present.
◉ Follow your dentist’s instructions for pain relief if needed.
Most patients feel back to normal within 24 hours after filling a cavity.
Pain and Discomfort Concerns
One of the top searches is does a cavity filling hurt. The answer is no during the procedure, thanks to anesthesia.
After the treatment, mild discomfort is common:
◉ Small fillings – minimal soreness.
◉ Deep fillings – sensitivity for a few days.
◉ If pain after cavity filling lasts more than a week, see your dentist.
Understanding this helps set the right expectations for your cavity filling recovery time.
FAQs: People Also Ask
Q1: How long does it take to get 2 cavities filled?
Around 40 to 60 minutes total.
Q2: Does cavity filling take long?
No. A single filling often takes less than an hour.
Q3: How long after cavity filling can I eat?
After 2 to 3 hours, when numbness has worn off.
Q4: How long do dental fillings last?
Composite fillings last 5 to 10 years, amalgam fillings last 10 to 15 years or longer.
Q5: What to expect during a cavity filling?
Numbing, drilling, cleaning, filling placement, bite check, and polishing.
Q6: Do cavity fillings hurt after treatment?
Mild soreness is common. Severe pain should be checked by a dentist.
Q7: How long is a dentist appointment for a filling?
Usually between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on how many cavities are treated.
Conclusion
So, how long does it take to fill a cavity? For most people, the answer is between 20 and 60 minutes per tooth. The time depends on cavity size, filling material, and whether multiple teeth need treatment.
The good news is that the procedure is quick, safe, and highly effective. By knowing the cavity filling procedure time, what to expect during the appointment, and how recovery works, you can walk into your next dental visit with confidence.
If you maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly, your fillings will last many years and protect your teeth from further decay.