You’re sitting in the dental chair, and your dentist has just told you that you need a filling. It’s natural to wonder how long you’ll be there and what the filling process involves.
At Montgomery Dental Centre, our restorative dentistry approach focuses on getting you in and out quickly without rushing your care.
Tooth fillings are efficient procedures designed to fit into your schedule. Your specific appointment length depends on cavity size, filling material, and tooth location, but our team works quickly without rushing your care.
What Happens During Your Filling Appointment
Initial Examination & Preparation
Your appointment starts with your dentist taking a close look at the affected tooth. They might take x-rays to see exactly how deep the cavity goes and check if there are any other issues nearby. This helps them plan the right approach for your specific situation.
You’ll have a chance to discuss different filling options and ask any questions about the procedure. Once you’re ready to begin, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth. This injection takes just a few seconds, and you’ll feel completely comfortable during treatment.
Decay Removal & Tooth Preparation
After the numbness sets in, your dentist carefully removes the decayed portion of your tooth. You might hear some sounds during this step, but you won’t feel any discomfort—just gentle pressure and vibration.
Your dentist will clean out the bacteria and damaged material, then shape the space to hold your new filling securely. This thorough cleaning helps prevent future problems and makes sure your filling lasts as long as possible.
Filling Placement & Final Steps
Your dentist places the filling material in layers, carefully shaping it to restore your tooth’s natural form.
The final step involves polishing the filling, so it feels just like your natural tooth. Before you leave, your dentist will also make any small adjustments needed to make your bite feel normal.
Time Factors That Affect Your Appointment
Size & Location of Your Cavity
Small cavities on the chewing surface of your teeth typically take about 20 to 30 minutes to fill. Larger cavities that extend between teeth or involve multiple surfaces can take 45 to 60 minutes or more. Front teeth often require extra time because your dentist needs to carefully match the colour and shape for a natural appearance.
Type of Filling Material You Choose
Different materials require different placement techniques, which affects your appointment length:
- Composite resin fillings require careful layering and bonding steps, with each layer cured individually
- Ceramic or gold fillings require custom fabrication and may need multiple appointments
Number of Surfaces Involved
A cavity that only affects one surface of your tooth takes less time to treat than decay that has spread to multiple surfaces. As your dentist in Calgary, we can explain which surfaces need attention during your examination.
Different Filling Materials & Their Benefits
Tooth-Coloured Composite Fillings
These fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them nearly invisible when you smile or speak. The material bonds directly to your tooth structure, helping to strengthen the remaining tooth and preserve more of your natural tooth than traditional metal fillings require. Composite fillings work well for both front and back teeth and are our most commonly used filling material.
Ceramic & Gold Fillings
These fillings are custom-made in a dental lab for a precise fit. While they take longer to create and place, they offer excellent durability and longevity. Some ceramic fillings can be made the same day, while others may require 2 appointments.
Our Modern Approach to Fillings
At Montgomery Dental Centre, we focus on tooth-colored filling materials that provide both aesthetic appeal and functional strength. These modern materials allow us to preserve more of your natural tooth structure while creating restorations that look and feel completely natural.
Pain Management & Comfort Options
Local Anesthesia During Treatment
As your Calgary dentist, we’re committed to helping you stay completely comfortable before beginning any work on your tooth. The numbing injection takes effect within a few minutes, and you won’t feel any pain during the procedure, just gentle pressure as we work.
Sedation Options for Anxious Patients
If you feel nervous about dental procedures, several sedation options can help you relax during your appointment:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild to moderate relaxation
- Oral sedation for moderate anxiety
For more advanced procedures like oral surgery or dental implants, additional sedation options including IV sedation may be available. Your dentist will discuss what’s appropriate for your specific treatment.
What You’ll Feel During the Procedure
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable filling procedures can be with proper anesthesia. You’ll be aware of what’s happening but won’t experience any sharp or painful sensations.
What to Expect After Your Filling
Immediate Post-Treatment Care
The numbness from your anesthetic can last 2 to 4 hours after your appointment. Avoid eating hot foods or drinks until the feeling completely returns to prevent accidentally biting your lip or tongue.
Normal Recovery Process
Some mild sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is normal for a few days after getting a filling. This sensitivity should gradually decrease as your tooth adjusts to the new restoration. If necessary, you can use desensitizing toothpaste or take over-the-counter pain medication until sensitivity subsides.
When to Contact Your Calgary Dentist
While complications are rare, you should reach out to your dental office if you experience:
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve
- Filling feels too high when you bite
- Persistent sensitivity after 1 week
Getting a filling doesn’t have to be stressful when you know what to expect. Our team at Montgomery Dental Centre focuses on making your experience as comfortable and efficient as possible.
Call today to schedule your appointment and take care of that cavity before it becomes a bigger problem.
