How Long Does It Take To Get a Filling?

Dental fillings are your best restorative solution if your tooth is fractured, broken or damaged because of tooth decay. Also known as tooth fillings, dental fillings are not just about restoring your smile. They are about rebuilding the lost tooth structure while restoring functionality. That’s not all, dental fillings also protect your teeth from further damage by preventing decay from spreading. This is a standard dental procedure we perform at Warrnambool Smile Dental to save your smile. 

When Do You Need a Dental Filling? 

When do you need dental fillings? Dental fillings can help with various dental issues here are some common problems they address:

• Cavities or tooth decay
• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Chips or cracks in your teeth 
• Severe, consistent toothaches
• Dark spots on your teeth 
• Small holes in your teeth where food and tartar can accumulate
• Damaged teeth due to trauma 

Seeing or feeling any of these symptoms? It’s time to visit your dentist. A consultation with your dentist is the only way to know if you need a tooth filling. Regular dental check-ups are a great opportunity for our dentists to assess your mouth, identify dental problems at their onset and treat them promptly. But if you have missed a few appointments, you can still schedule an appointment with our friendly dentists. 

Why the urgency, you may ask? Neglecting to get a dental filling when necessary can cause cavities and infections to worsen. It can lead to dental problems such as severe tooth decay and gum disease. Before you know it, you’ll be grappling with severe pain and reduced functionality, needing a root canal treatment to save your tooth or tooth extraction. 

Types of Dental Fillings

Your dentist will explain the different materials available for filling your cavity. Some of the most commonly used options include:

• Composite Fillings: These tooth-colored fillings take slightly longer because they are applied in layers and hardened with a special light.
• Amalgam Fillings: These are quicker to place, but they are less commonly used due to their metallic appearance.

How Long Does the Dental Filling Process Take? 

At Warrnambool Smile Dental, we offer white tooth fillings, also known as composite fillings. They are a natural-looking, discreet dental restoration solution that seamlessly blends with your natural teeth. 

In the skilled hands of our experienced dental professionals, dental fillings are a quick and straightforward process, taking only about 30-60 minutes. The treatment duration might, however, vary depending on individual factors such as the severity of decay and the number of fillings needed.

Composite fillings take more time than amalgam (silver) fillings. Why? The composite resin material is placed layer by layer, with each layer hardened using a special, high-intensity light. 

While dental fillings can typically be completed in one visit, it can sometimes even take two visits. If your fillings are made from an impression of your tooth, you’ll have to return for a second visit. During the first visit, we will remove the tooth decay and clean the cavity to take an impression, while on the second visit, your dental fillings will be bonded to your teeth. 

How Does the Tooth Filling Process Work? 

• The dental filling procedure begins with an initial consultation, where our dentist will identify affected areas and create a personalised treatment plan for you. 
• A local anaesthetic will then be applied to numb the affected area to ensure your comfort.  
• The decayed parts of the tooth will be removed and cleaned before applying the composite resin material on your teeth one layer at a time. 
• Using a special light, the composite material will be hardened, and the filling will be sculpted to match the natural contours of your teeth. 

Just like that, you’ve gotten your dental fillings. It’s that easy. Whether you have minor fractures, cavities or cracks in your teeth, we’re here to bring back the radiance to your smile. 

Aftercare Tips for a Successful Recovery

Following your appointment, avoid eating sticky or hard foods for a few hours and maintain excellent oral hygiene. If you experience sensitivity or discomfort, contact your dentist at Warrnambool Smile for advice.

Schedule an appointment today with our friendly dental team and allow us to restore your tooth and protect it from further damage.