Dental Filling by Local Dentist

What to Expect During Dental Fillings

Most dental fillings can be completed in under an hour, although larger cavities or multiple fillings may take additional time. Treatment begins with a thorough examination of the tooth, and local anesthesia may be used to keep you comfortable. The dentist removes the decay, cleans and prepares the area, and places the filling material. Once the tooth is shaped and polished, your bite is checked to ensure natural function.

Mild sensitivity can occur after treatment, so it is best to avoid very hot or cold foods for a day or two. With proper care, a filling provides long-lasting protection and restores the strength and appearance of your tooth.

Types of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are available in several materials, each designed to meet different needs:


  • Silver (Amalgam) Fillings: A durable blend of metals including mercury, tin, silver, and copper.
  • Gold Fillings: A long-lasting option made from gold, copper, and other metals, often placed for strength.
  • White (Composite) Fillings: Tooth-colored restorations made of glass or quartz particles and acrylic resin for a natural look.
  • Glass Ionomer Fillings: A tooth-colored material containing fluoride, commonly used for children’s teeth or smaller restorations.
  • Porcelain Fillings: Custom-made restorations created in a dental lab for a natural appearance and excellent durability.
  • Temporary Fillings: Temporary fillings are short-term restorations used when a tooth requires additional treatment before a permanent filling can be placed. They are commonly used after emergency visits, during root canal therapy, or when multiple appointments are needed.

FAQ About Dental Filling

  • Dental Fillings For A Child

    Children also commonly experience cavities, even if they have great oral hygiene and a healthy diet. Dental fillings for children are often completed as quickly as they are for adults, although there are a few additional factors to consider.


    For example, children under the age of five might need anesthesia if they are unable to sit still for the duration of the treatment. Due to this, your child's appointment might be longer, especially if they need to recover afterward from the anesthesia.


    You can discuss your child's necessary accommodations with your dentist and also confirm how long the filling process will take.

  • Recovering After A Dental Filling

    Most patients will notice that their dental fillings heal swiftly and without complications. As the anesthetic effect lessens, your tooth might experience sensitivity for a day or two. You can limit tooth sensitivity by following these steps:


    • chewing on the other side of your mouth for two days
    • gently brushing and flossing around the filling
    • avoiding hot or cold foods and beverages
    • avoiding acidic foods
    • brushing with a desensitizing toothpaste
    • asking your dentist about a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory prescription

    Inform your dentist if your bite feels misaligned or if you experience any extensive pain or sensitivity. Your dentist can modify the filling surface to correct your bite.

  • Pain Following A Dental Filling

    When the filling is completed, you may experience slight discomfort in the area near your dental work for a few hours. If you are highly uncomfortable, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever or apply a small amount of heat or an ice pack to your jaw.


    Anesthesia wears off completely in two to seven hours, so you might feel slight discomfort as your nerves regain their normal function.


    You are encouraged to avoid acidic foods, sticky foods, and cold foods for a day or two to ensure that the cavity is completely sealed and that you do not experience further discomfort.

  • How To Know If You Need A Dental Filling

    Routine dental checkups allow your dentist to identify a cavity early and offer immediate treatment, which will provide you with a superior and more comfortable outcome (treatment will be less invasive than if you were to visit your dentist less regularly and the issue is discovered at a more advanced stage). Symptoms of a possible cavity include:


    • tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages
    • sensitivity to sugary foods and beverages
    • extensive discomfort in a tooth
    • a hole or pit within a tooth
    • a significant tooth stain, whether it is white or a darker color

    If you believe that you have a cavity, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. They will confirm whether you require a filling or another form of treatment.