How Long Will It Take to Get a Filling?

According to the world health organization, approximately 2 billion adults have untreated cavities. Dental fillings are common procedures for repairing or restoring decayed or damaged teeth. They also prevent further tooth decay and enable the affected tooth to function as expected. However, fillings do not necessarily replace the whole dental structure but fill the holes caused by decay.

The dental fillings procedure is painless and generally takes about an hour. A simple process will take about 20 minutes. At Dr. Teeth Dental Care in Katy, we have adopted the latest dental technology for dental fillings. This makes it easier to create inlays and onlays on a single appointment. However, multiple and larger fillings may take longer to set. The material used also determines the time fillings take to fix.

What to Expect During a Dental Filling Procedure

The procedure is simple, and the dentist will start by examining your mouth and checking the cavities. An X-ray may be required to check the extent of the decay. The next step is numbing the affected area using an anesthetic to prevent discomfort. However, an anesthetic may not be required if the filling is just on the surface.

Once the anesthetic effect has set off, the decayed part is removed. For this, your dentist may use a dental drill, a laser, or air abrasion equipment. After the decayed matter is removed, the area will be sterilized and prepared for filling.

The fillings are then placed and hardened or cured using a blue wavelength light. The last step is polishing the tooth and ensuring the bite is correct.

Be ready for a little sensitivity after the numbing has worn off. Avoid very hot or cold food substances for a day or two.

For dental fillings in Katy, visit our offices near you.

Different Types of Fillings

While your dentist is best equipped to recommend what filling suits you best, learning the different types of dental fillings near you is also important. Below are some of the most commonly used dental filling materials.

Composite Fillings

Composites or tooth color fillings are made of glass mixtures, acrylic resin, and quartz particles. These fillings are ideal for repairing visible teeth since they closely match your natural teeth. They are versatile and are also used in correcting chipped teeth.

Silver Fillings

Silver fillings are metal amalgams made from silver, copper, mercury, and tin. They are durable and more pocket-friendly compared to other fillings and can withstand pressure from the back teeth.

Ionomer Fillings

These are a type of tooth-colored fillings made of acrylic and a special kind of glass. Despite not being as strong as composites, ionomers release fluoride that prevents cavities. They are more used in children and beneath the gum line.

Gold Fillings

Gold fillings are a mixture of copper, gold, and other metals. Despite not being natural-looking, they have a longer lifespan and are more expensive. Gold fillings will not erode and can take hard chewing. They require two dental visits. This is because, during the first dental visit, an impression must be made for it to be used to make the gold filling in a lab.

The lifespan of Your Dental Filling

It’s not surprising when a patient inquires how long their fillings will last. Fillings do not offer a permanent solution but can last 10 – 15 years, depending on the filler used. Dental fillings are prone to damage and wear and tear that come with aging. According to our dentist in Katy, various factors can affect how long your filling will last. Some of them include:

• The complexity or type of procedure used during the treatment. That is, if it involved extensive restoration and drilling.
• The size of the cavity determines the size of the filling expected. A small dental filling decreases the probability of being stressed or negatively affected by my mismanagement. However, this cannot be said to be the same with large dental fillings.
• If you have had additional dental procedures; the dental filling can diminish if the affected area requires different treatment. However, a crown may be recommended to preserve your natural tooth.
• Certain oral habits will also affect your dental fillings. Grinding teeth, chewing hard objects, or accidental damage can cause premature wear of dental fillings.