How Long Does a Filling Take? Appointment Guide
Typical filling times by type, how long numbness lasts and what to expect afterwards.
Editorially reviewed. Dental review: scheduled, not yet completed for this article.
How long does a filling take? A simple filling can take as little as 20 minutes, and most direct fillings are done in an hour or less. Larger or multiple fillings take longer, and lab-made gold or porcelain inlays usually need at least two appointments.
Knowing roughly how long you will be in the chair makes it easier to plan time off work, school pick-ups or parking. The actual time depends on the size of the cavity, the material and whether you need local anaesthetic. Here is what fills those minutes and what to expect afterwards.
What happens during a filling appointment?
The Better Health Channel (Victorian Government) describes the basic steps. If needed, the tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic first. The decay is removed with a drill and other instruments, the cavity is cleaned and dried, and then it is filled with a material that is set hard. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) adds that a rubber dam may be used to isolate the tooth from the rest of the mouth while the dentist works.
How long do different fillings take?
| Type of filling | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Small, simple filling | As few as 20 minutes, according to Healthline |
| Standard direct filling (composite, glass ionomer) | Generally an hour or less, in one visit; layered composite takes a little more time |
| Larger or multiple fillings | Longer than a single small filling |
| Gold or porcelain inlay | Usually at least two appointments, as the ADA notes these are made in a dental laboratory |
| Temporary filling | Used when treatment is spread over several visits |
Which material will my dentist use?
The ADA says the choice depends on where the tooth is, how your teeth bite together and how large the filling is. Its overview of the main options:
- Composite resin: tooth-coloured, bonded to the tooth so less structure needs removing.
- Glass-ionomer cement: tooth-coloured, contains fluoride, weaker than composite; often used for fissure sealants and temporary fillings.
- Amalgam: strong and long-lasting, but no longer commonly used, and some dentists do not use it at all.
- Gold and porcelain inlays: made outside the mouth and bonded in; very strong and durable.
Better Health notes amalgam is rarely used now and gold is rarely used because of its cost.
How long does the numbness last?
Healthline says it can take between two and seven hours for local anaesthetic to wear off completely. Until feeling returns, take care not to bite your lip, cheek or tongue, and be cautious with hot drinks.
What should you expect after the filling?
The ADA says sensitivity to hot, cold or biting pressure is common after a filling. It usually settles within a few days, though it can last one to two weeks. Go back to your dentist if it does not settle or gets worse. Healthline suggests avoiding very hot or very cold food and drink for a day or two, and, with amalgam, avoiding hard foods until the filling has fully set.
How can you keep the appointment short?
- Arrive a few minutes early so paperwork does not eat into your time.
- Mention any anxiety, so your dentist can plan the anaesthetic and pacing.
- Ask whether several small fillings can be done in one visit or should be split.
- Keep up regular check-ups so worn fillings and new decay are found early, as Better Health advises.
If you are budgeting as well as planning your time, our guide to what a dentist visit costs in Australia sets out typical fees.
Sources
- Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Dental fillings
- Australian Dental Association, Fillings
- Healthline, How Long Does It Take to Get a Filling? (medically reviewed, updated September 2023)
This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist.
