A filling is one of the most common dental procedures. It’s basically a repair job to fix the damage done by tooth decay. It’s typically a painless procedure that takes about an hour. Show Cavities are incredibly common nowadays. According to the World Health Organization, untreated cavities are the most common dental condition worldwide, experienced by approximately 2 billion people with permanent teeth (adults). A filling helps prevent further decay and allows your tooth to function as expected. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect if you need a filling, the materials most commonly used, and how long it takes for a filling to set and heal. In general, a filling takes an hour or less. A simple filling may take as few as 20 minutes. Many dental offices now have the technology to make onlays and inlays in one appointment, though a larger filling or multiple fillings can take longer. Plus, depending on the materials used for the filling, it could take longer or require a second visit. For instance:
Replacing an older filling generally takes about the same amount of time as the original filling. It may take slightly longer if the old filling material has to be drilled out. A healthcare professional will clean out the cavity and old filling material, then insert new filling material. How long does a filling take on a child?Cavities in children are quite common, even with good dental hygiene and a nutritious diet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 children between ages 5 and 11 have at least one untreated cavity. Fillings for children take about the same amount of time as they do for adults, with some additional considerations. Children, especially children under age 5, may require anesthesia if they cannot sit still for 20 minutes. This can add additional time to the beginning of the appointment, as well as some recovery time before you can take your child home. Nitrous oxide (sometimes called laughing gas) can also be used safely to help children stay still during the filling process. You should speak with your dentist about any accommodations your child might need. A good pediatric dentist will be able to give you an estimate of exactly how long your child’s filling will take. Your dentist will discuss the various materials that can be used to fill your cavity. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), some of the most widely used options include the following materials:
Traditional health insurance does not typically cover fillings. If you don’t have supplementary dental insurance, you’ll need to pay out of pocket for fillings. This can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on the materials being used and how many surfaces of your tooth need to be restored. If you have dental insurance, you may have a copay for fillings based on a percentage of the total cost. You may also have a flat copay for fillings. Some dental insurance even covers the cost completely. If you have original Medicare (parts A and B), it covers only dental work that is part of a covered procedure and some dental exams, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Fillings are not included in traditional Medicare coverage. You can purchase a Medicare supplement plan to bring down the cost of fillings. Some supplement plans provide complete dental coverage so that your out-of-pocket cost is zero. Fillings are generally a simple procedure:
Once the numbing has worn off, your tooth may feel a little sore or sensitive after the filling, but you shouldn’t have any pain. You should avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks for 1 or 2 days. For the most part, though, you can eat as you usually do. How long your filling will take to set depends on the material your dentist uses. According to Rothschild:
If the length of the procedure is a concern, let your dentist know so they can recommend the best type of filling for you. Most fillings heal quickly without complications. After the anesthetic wears off, your tooth may feel a little sensitive, but this usually goes away in a day or so. “Metal fillings, like amalgam and gold, occasionally have a period of post-op cold sensitivity for a few days or even weeks,” Rothschild said. “This is less likely but still possible with a bonded composite or glass ionomer filling.” You can reduce tooth sensitivity by:
Let your dentist know if your bite feels off or if you have any long lasting pain or sensitivity. Your dentist may need to adjust the filling surface to improve your bite. How long does a filling take to stop hurting?After your filling is complete, it might take a little while for any residual pain to subside. You may feel a dull pain at the site of your dental work for several hours afterward you leave the dentist. It can also take between 2 to 7 hours for any anesthesia to wear off completely. While the anesthesia wears off, you may feel an uncomfortable “pins and needles” feeling as your nerves regain their full function. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever (such as ibuprofen) to counteract the pain if you are extremely uncomfortable. You may also apply gentle heat or an ice pack outside your jaw to bring down swelling and soothe the pain. Avoiding highly acidic foods, cold foods, and sticky foods for an evening after your cavity will ensure the cavity seals fully and help you avoid ongoing pain and complications. How long your filling lasts depends, in part, on your dental hygiene. Diligent dental care can extend the life of your filling and prevent a new cavity from forming on your tooth. The lifetime of a filling can also vary depending on the materials used. Remember that everyone’s teeth and lifestyle are different, so these timeframes can vary from person to person. In general:
If you see your dentist for regular checkups, they’ll find cavities early. The sooner a cavity is treated, the better the outcome for your tooth and the less invasive the treatment is likely to be. So it’s a good investment to get regular dental checkups. Usually, there are some warning signs of a cavity, such as:
If you suspect you may have a cavity, make sure to visit your dentist. They can determine whether you need a filling or other treatment. Dental fillings are very common and typically aren’t painful. The procedure usually takes about an hour for a standard, uncomplicated filling. Ask your dentist about the pros and cons of possible filling materials for your tooth. They can also let you know the best way to care for your filling. If you have dental insurance, check to find out what types of fillings are covered. Your insurance may not cover more expensive materials. With diligent dental hygiene, you can expect your fillings to last for many years. How long does it take to fill your cavities?In general, a filling takes an hour or less. A simple filling may take as few as 20 minutes. Many dental offices now have the technology to make onlays and inlays in one appointment, though a larger filling or multiple fillings can take longer.
How long do 4 fillings take?Dental fillings take time to complete and require a methodical approach. To be safe, you should for your filling to take approximately one hour to perform from start to finish. If your cavity is small, your dentist will be able to complete your filling in substantially less time.
Is getting a cavity filled painful?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.
How long do 3 fillings take?The number of fillings
Needless to say, the more fillings you do, the more time it would take your dentist to finish the procedure. One cavity filling may only take 20-30 minutes. Two cavity fillings may take 30-45 minutes. Three cavity fillings may take 45-60 minutes.
|