Dental fillings, despite the discomfort of decay, play a crucial role in healing tooth decay and restoring the tooth’s function. They are not only quick and simple but also provide relief from pain, offering a comforting solution. Let’s take a look at the process of how long a filling takes.
Why Are Dental Fillings Necessary?
Nobody enjoys going to the dentist. People often worry about needing a filling and the dentist having to use a drill. But did you know there are different reasons you might need a filling? Below are mentioned the reasons that make dental fillings necessary:
- Your tooth is chipped.
- Your tooth is cracked.
- One of your teeth has a cavity.
- A filling has to be replaced.
What are the Steps Involved in the Filling Process?
Fillings are performed under anesthetic to make you comfortable. During the procedure, you can expect:
- Your dentist will numb the area they’re working on with local anesthesia.
- They’ll remove the decayed material and reshape your tooth.
- They’ll fill the hole and harden the filling material before polishing your tooth.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Filling?
The time it takes to fill your teeth depends on different things:
- How easy it is to reach the decayed tooth.
- How much decay needs to be removed.
- How many surfaces of your tooth need to be filled.
- What type of filling material does the dentist use.
- How fast your dentist works.
It usually takes around 15-20 minutes to fill each tooth. However, the most time-consuming part of the filling is waiting for the anesthetic to take effect. If your gums do not become numb quickly, you may require more anesthetic. If there’s a lot of decay, it can take longer to clean it out.
What are the Different Types of Fillings?
Your dentist will discuss the several materials that can be used to fill your cavity. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), some of the most popular alternatives include the following materials:
- Silver-color fillings (metal amalgams) – durable and affordable.
- White tooth-color fillings (composites) – durable but costly.
- Gold fillings – very durable but expensive.
- Glass ionomer fillings – not as strong as composites and contain fluoride.
- Porcelain fillings – expensive but look natural.
Why Early Intervention is so Important?
Timely intervention is key. If cavities are not treated early, they will continue to damage your teeth, becoming more painful and expensive to fix. Large cavities may even necessitate a dental crown. If left untreated, decay can lead to a dead tooth or tooth loss. There is also a possibility that infections may spread to the gums and bones, which can lead to serious health issues. Act promptly to protect your dental health.
Final Word!
Dental fillings are quite common and usually don’t hurt. A standard filling typically takes around 20 minutes to an hour to complete.
Feel free to contact our expert team of dentists at Briar Forest Dental Group at (713) 784-4430 to learn about the pros and cons of different filling materials for your tooth and how long it will take to get one!