Cavities are one of the most popular dental problems. They can form on any tooth surface, but they’re particularly likely to develop on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Cavities can vary in size and location, which means that the length of time required to fill each cavity can also vary.
Some dentists may take less time for a small cavity on a front tooth than for a large cavity on a molar. However, every dentist will take into account the location, tooth surface(s), and size of each cavity before beginning treatment. This ensures that each patient receives the best possible care.
What is the dental procedure for filling cavities?
Fillings are used to repair tooth decay by joining and restoring the surface of a decayed or damaged tooth. The procedure involves removing some small amount of enamel from the side that has been affected, and filling it with an adhesive material called “filling material”.
Sometimes hard plastic cups containing one or more colours may be placed in front teeth. Fillings can only cover part way up on back molars, causing partial fillings like silver amalgam restorations, white partials (crowns and bridges) or resin-based fillings.
The last method is a less expensive option in natural teeth and the only one used on permanent crowns.
The dentist uses dental instruments called “a drill” or “dental burs”, which have various types of heads: diamond-tipped burrs to create tiny holes in enamel as they cut it, drills with rubber/metal tips to shape the hole as it cuts, or holes made by hand. Modern plastic filling materials are also available for use when dentistry is combined with cosmetic dentistry.
The dentist first seats the material into a tooth cavity in order to measure individual slots inside teeth where they can fit before choosing which one will best cover and retain that area of damaged enamel standing proud from underlying gum tissue.
The cement (material) used depends on what it is that is being “replaced”, for example whether it be a crown or filling. It is usually a very strong and durable adhesives that do not soften at room temperature and allow the tooth to hold together without cracking if accidentally knocked, chipped or dropped again.
Some amalgam treatments can be removed after some time has elapsed by using materials such as ablation performed on lasers that cutaway painful biting edges of metal fillings from patients
A traditional inlay filling is the hardest and most durable fillings available. They are made from a mix created by mixing gold with palladium or silver, though newer materials such as white diamonds may be used.
How long does it take to fill each cavity?
It depends on how big the cavity is, some fillings may need multiple appointments in order to reach an appropriate size for easy insertion. Most filling procedures take about 30 minutes and are completed at a single visit but it does depend greatly on.
FAQ
what kind of treatment you have requested from your dentist. How long will a tooth fill last?
This is the most common question asked of those considering whether or not to get a filling. The answer isn’t all that straight forward, this largely depends on what teeth are being filled with in terms of material and quality.
Most gold crowns require at least 3 months for bone to regain its alignment, this means it does take substantially longer than white metal filings/crowns which generally have a lifespan of about 6 months.
Average length of time required to fill 3 cavities
It would depend greatly on the location of all 3 cavities, and their locations within your mouth. This estimate describes the fastest time it may take for you to have them filled in a single visit but there is no way to guarantee that this process will occur within such a brief timeframe.
If you have three cavities in different parts of your mouth, it will likely require three separate appointments. Depending on the type of fillings required and the location of the cavities, anesthesia may take an additional 25 to 50 minutes.
