Cavities (tooth decay) are extremely common nearly 90% of adults experience decay at some point, and about 1 in 4 adults currently have an untreated cavity. For children the rate is even higher. Once a cavity is found, the standard fix is a dental filling to remove the decay and seal the tooth.
A frequent patient question is “how long does it take to fill a cavity?” The good news: in most cases it’s quite quick. For a single small cavity, the appointment often lasts 20-30 minutes. Even larger or more complex fillings typically finish within 45-60 minutes.
In this article we explain the step by step filling procedure, typical timelines, and factors that influence how long your filling will take. By understanding the process, you’ll be prepared for the visit and can expect your filling to be done in a single short session.
Cavity fillings don’t happen overnight the dentist must first numb and clean the tooth, place the filling material, and polish the result. Despite these steps, modern techniques and materials make the whole process fairly routine and efficient. In general, a one tooth filling takes less than an hour. Small, straightforward cavities (especially on a front tooth) can be done in about 15-20 minutes. By contrast, large cavities or multi surface restorations may run 45 minutes or more, sometimes requiring a second visit. We’ll dive into the details below, but the bottom line is: filling a cavity is usually faster than you think, so don’t delay treatment!
The Cavity Filling Procedure Step by Step
Understanding the steps helps set expectations for how long each part takes. A typical filling involves about four main phases: numbing the tooth, removing decay, placing the filling material, and final adjustments.
- Numbing the area: First, the dentist injects a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gum. This ensures the patient feels no pain during drilling. The anesthetic takes a few minutes to take effect. (While waiting, you might chat with the dentist or adjust to the taste of numbing gel.)
- Removing decay: Next, the decayed (rotten) part of the tooth is carefully drilled or etched away. The dentist removes all soft, decayed enamel and dentin to stop the cavity from spreading. Modern drills or air abrasion tools make this quick.
- Placing the filling: Once cleaned, the dentist fills the prepared cavity with the chosen material (composite resin, amalgam, etc.). For tooth colored composites, the material is placed in layers and cured with a special light; for amalgam (silver fillings), it is packed and allowed to harden. This step restores the tooth’s shape and function.
- Checking and polishing: Finally, the dentist checks your bite and smooths the filling. You bite on a carbon paper to see where the new filling touches opposing teeth. Any high spots are gently trimmed. The dentist then polishes the filling so it feels natural.
Each of these steps contributes to the total appointment time. The numbing shot may take ~5-10 minutes to administer and work. Drilling out decay usually takes another 5-15 minutes, depending on size. Filling placement might take 5-10 minutes (longer if multiple layers of composite). Polishing and bite adjustment add a few more minutes. Altogether, most single tooth fillings wrap up in about 20-60 minutes.
Typical Timeframes: Small vs. Large Cavities
How long the filling takes depends largely on the size and complexity of the cavity. Generally:
- Small cavity: If the decay is minor (e.g. a tiny pit or the very outer surface of a tooth), the filling can often be done in about 15-20 minutes. This includes anesthesia and drilling. For example, one source notes that small cavities “take the standard 20 minutes” to fill.
- Large cavity: Bigger cavities require more drilling and filling, so the appointment is longer. A large hole (or one that spans multiple surfaces of the tooth) may take 45 minutes or more. In these cases, dentists sometimes split the work into two visits, especially if there are multiple teeth involved or advanced decay. The Albee Dental site notes that larger cavities “can take about 45 minutes” (versus 20 minutes for a small one).
- Multiple surfaces/teeth: If decay affects multiple sides of the same tooth (e.g. front and top), the dentist needs extra tools (like matrix bands) and time to isolate the area. This can add up to 30 minutes for complex, multi surface cavities. Similarly, if you have two cavities to fill, expect about 45 minutes total; three cavities may push closer to an hour. In short, each additional filling generally adds about 15-20 minutes to your appointment.
- Molar cavities (back teeth): Filling a cavity in a molar often takes about the same time as other teeth typically 30-60 minutes for a one tooth restoration. Molars have more grooves and cusps, so dentists may work a bit slower to reach all decay. However, modern techniques (like high speed drills and good lighting) keep even molar fillings under an hour in most cases.
In practice, clinics will give you an estimate after the exam and X-rays. But rest assured that a standard filling rarely exceeds one hour. If you have many cavities, your dentist might schedule separate shorter appointments for each tooth to make each visit manageable and comfortable.
Factors Affecting Filling Appointment Duration
Several factors influence exactly how long your filling takes:
- Amount of decay (cavity size): As noted above, more decay means more drilling and filling time. Deep cavities near the tooth’s nerve require extra care (and sometimes a liner or base), which can add minutes to the procedure.
- Tooth location: Cavities on back teeth (molars) or those between teeth can be a bit more time consuming. Dentists must carefully angle tools to reach back molars, and if teeth are tight, they may place matrices or separators. This can add a few minutes, but is usually not a large increase. Front teeth cavities often fill quicker due to easier access.
- Number of teeth: More cavities simply mean longer total time. We saw that each additional filling adds roughly 15-20 minutes. If you have multiple fillings, your dentist may tackle one or two per visit to keep each session under an hour.
- Filling material: The type of filling affects both appointment count and time. Composite (tooth colored) fillings are applied in thin layers and cured with a blue light. While layering takes a bit longer than packing amalgam, each layer sets in about 3-20 seconds. Overall, a composite filling might add a few extra minutes to place, but cures almost instantly layer by layer. Amalgam (silver) fillings set initially in about an hour and reach full strength in ~24 hours. You can usually use an amalgam filled tooth after the appointment, but dentists often advise waiting a day before chewing very hard foods. Note: porcelain or gold inlay/onlay restorations typically require two visits (to prepare the tooth and later bond the lab made filling), so the total treatment spans multiple appointments.
- Patient factors (anxiety, age): A very anxious patient may cause the dentist to proceed more slowly or use calming measures (which can add a few minutes). Children and individuals with special needs sometimes need extra time for cooperation. For example, young children (especially under 5) might need nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) or mild sedation to stay still, which adds minutes for administration. In contrast, an alert, relaxed patient will generally move through the procedure more quickly.
- Dentist’s technique and technology: Experienced dentists with efficient techniques, high speed drills, and digital tools can often complete fillings faster. Some modern offices even use CAD/CAM technology (like CEREC) to design and mill restorations in one visit, reducing time.
Overall, while these factors can tweak the exact timing, they seldom push a simple filling beyond an hour. Being upfront about your needs (fear, sensitivity, etc.) lets the dentist plan appropriately.
Tips for a Smooth, Quick Filling Appointment
You can also help the process go smoothly, potentially saving time:
- Give complete medical/dental history: Let your dentist know about any medications, bleeding issues, or dental anxiety ahead of time. This avoids pauses during the visit to sort things out.
- Practice relaxation: If you’re anxious, consider breathing exercises or ask if mild sedation is available. Staying calm can speed up the procedure.
- Eat beforehand: Don’t come to your appointment hungry. Numbing can make eating awkward for a few hours afterward, so have a good meal before your visit (unless instructed otherwise by your doctor).
- Arrive early: Showing up a few minutes early (especially for initial paperwork) ensures the appointment starts on time.
- Ask questions: If you wonder about any step (like feeling vibrations during drilling), ask your dentist. Being informed can reduce anxiety and prevent interruptions.
By planning ahead and communicating with your dentist, you can make your filling visit as fast and comfortable as possible. After all, a quick procedure means you’ll be on your way in no time, with a healthier tooth!
After the Filling: Healing and Recovery Time
Once the filling is in place, most people recover quickly. The answer to “how long does it take a cavity filling to heal?” is usually just a day or so. Here’s what to expect after your filling:
- Numbness and sensation: The local anesthetic will wear off within a couple of hours after treatment. During this time you may feel tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation in the treated area. Once numbness ends, it’s normal for your tooth to be slightly tender or sensitive to pressure for a few hours. This tenderness usually resolves quickly on its own.
- Sensitivity: It’s common to have mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets for 1-2 days after a filling. The act of drilling can irritate the tooth’s nerve slightly. In most cases, this sensitivity goes away within a day or two. If the filling was metal (amalgam or gold), sometimes cold sensitivity can last a few days longer. Composite fillings tend to cause less post op sensitivity than metal ones.
- Chewing and eating: For most fillings, you can resume eating once the numbness wears off. In fact, Aspen Dental notes you can often eat right after a filling, unless you have an amalgam filling, in which case it’s wise to avoid very hard or chewy foods for about 24 hours. Dentists usually suggest waiting until the numbness is gone before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
- Oral care: You can generally brush and floss as usual, but be gentle around the filled tooth for a day. Avoid very abrasive toothpaste or hard brushing that might irritate the area.
- Pain relief: If you experience discomfort, over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help. An ice pack applied to the cheek for short periods can also reduce any swelling or pain.
- When to call the dentist: If sharp pain persists beyond a few days, or if you feel a bump or misalignment in your bite, contact your dentist. Often a simple adjustment of the filling surface will fix lingering issues.
In summary, the “healing” from a filling is quick. Your tooth is effectively restored and you can go back to normal activities almost immediately. Any minor soreness or sensitivity is temporary and manageable.
FAQS (How long does it take to fill a cavity?)
Q: How long does it take to fill a small cavity?
A: Small cavities typically take 15-20 minutes to fill. This includes numbing, drilling out a small amount of decay, and placing the filling. Very minor cavities (caught early) can sometimes be filled in as little as 10-15 minutes. Your dentist will confirm the size and estimated time during the exam.
Q: How long does it take to fill a large cavity?
A: Large or deep cavities require more work, so plan for about 45 minutes to 1 hour for the appointment. The dentist needs extra time to remove all the decay and shape the cavity. In some cases with extensive decay, the dentist may recommend two visits to complete the restoration.
Q: How long does it take to fill a molar cavity?
A: Filling a molar (back tooth) generally falls within the same range as other cavities. A simple molar filling can be done in 30-45 minutes. If the molar has multiple surfaces with decay, it could take up to an hour. The back teeth can be a bit harder to work on, so communicating with your dentist (e.g. about turning your head or extra suction) can help speed things along.
Q: How long does it take to fill a tooth cavity?
A: The phrase “fill a tooth cavity” means the same thing as a cavity filling. Most single tooth fillings take 20-60 minutes in total. Small, simple cavities are on the lower end; larger or multiple cavities on the higher end.
Q: How long does it take a cavity filling to heal?
A: Fortunately, cavity fillings don’t require “healing” in the way a tooth extraction does. Once the filling is in place, the tooth is essentially as good as new. Any discomfort usually subsides in 1-2 days. Sensitivity from the injection or drilling should resolve within hours or days. Metal fillings fully harden in about 24 hours, but composite fillings are set immediately by curing light, so you can use the tooth the same day. If you feel any lingering sharp pain or sensitivity beyond a few days, it’s best to call your dentist.
Q: How soon can I eat after a cavity filling?
A: You can generally eat after the anesthesia wears off, which is often within 1-2 hours. For composite or ceramic fillings, you can eat right away once you’re no longer numb. If you have a silver (amalgam) filling, many dentists advise waiting about 24 hours before chewing hard foods on that tooth. Regardless, avoid hot, sticky or hard foods until you’re sure the numbness is gone and the filling feels normal.
Q: Is getting a cavity filled painful?
A: No, thanks to modern dentistry, cavity fillings are usually painless. Your dentist will numb the area first, so you should only feel pressure or vibrations, not pain. Some people feel slight discomfort from the numbing injection itself, but it’s very quick. Many dentists also use a topical gel before the shot to minimize that sting. Afterward, you might feel pressure or hear the drill, but it shouldn’t hurt. Any soreness after the filling is usually mild and short lived.
Q: Do cavity fillings take longer in children?
A: Child fillings generally take about the same time as for adults (20-60 minutes). However, young children may need special considerations. For example, if a child is very anxious or under age 5, the dentist might use sedation or nitrous oxide to keep them calm. Administering sedation adds extra time before the filling starts. Once the child is comfortably numb and still, the actual filling process is similar in length to an adult’s. So plan for slightly more total time if your child needs the dentist to take extra care with comfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, filling a cavity is usually a quick dental procedure. For most people, the entire appointment will take about 20 to 60 minutes per cavity, depending on the factors discussed. Small cavities can be filled in as little as 15 minutes, while larger or multi surface cavities may require closer to an hour. Once you’re at the dentist’s chair, the four simple steps (numbing, decay removal, filling, and polishing) are completed efficiently and with minimal discomfort. Afterward, your tooth is restored almost instantly; you’ll feel much better within a day.
Remember, the longer you wait to fix a cavity, the worse it gets and the sooner you get it done, the sooner you’re pain free. Book that filling today, knowing the procedure itself won’t take too long. We hope this guide answers your question “how long does it take to fill a cavity?” with clear, detailed information. If you found this helpful, share this article with others and leave a comment below with your questions or experiences! Our readers’ questions help everyone learn more about dental care.
Sources: Credible dental resources and studies were used to compile this information. All data above is up to date as of 2025.
