Getting a filling usually takes about 20 to 60 minutes, is carried out under local anaesthetic, and is one of the most routine treatments in dentistry. A filling repairs a tooth damaged by decay by removing the softened part and rebuilding the space with a hard material. If you have been told you need one and are not sure what to expect, knowing the steps ahead of time takes a lot of the worry out of the appointment.
Key takeaways
- Most fillings are completed in a single visit of under an hour.
- Local anaesthetic numbs the tooth, so the procedure itself is usually painless.
- Tooth-coloured composite is the most common material and is placed and set in layers.
- Mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards is normal and usually settles.
- Catching decay early keeps the filling small and the treatment simpler.
Before the drill: numbing and preparation
The appointment starts with a look at the tooth and often an X-ray to see how deep the decay goes. If the cavity is small and shallow, you may not need any numbing at all. For anything deeper, the dentist applies a numbing gel and then gives a local anaesthetic so you do not feel the treatment. It takes a few minutes to work fully. You will feel pressure and vibration during the filling, but not sharp pain. If you ever do, you can raise your hand and more anaesthetic can be given.
Removing the decay and shaping the tooth
Once the tooth is numb, the dentist removes the decayed part with a small drill or hand instruments, leaving healthy tooth behind. This is the step people picture when they think of a filling, but with the tooth numb it feels like pressure rather than pain. The dentist then cleans and shapes the space so the new material bonds well and the finished filling sits flush with the rest of the tooth.
Placing the filling
Most modern fillings use tooth-coloured composite resin, which is placed in thin layers. Each layer is set hard with a bright curing light before the next is added, which is why the dentist works in stages. Once the space is filled, the material is carved to match the natural shape of the tooth. Silver amalgam is still used occasionally, mainly on back teeth. Our guide to white versus silver fillings compares the two if you want to understand the choice.
Checking your bite and finishing
The last step is the bite check. You will be asked to bite on coloured paper so the dentist can see whether the filling is a fraction too high. High spots are smoothed down until the tooth meets its partner evenly, because a filling left too tall can feel sore when you chew. The filling is then polished. Composite is fully set by the time you leave, so you can usually eat once the numbness wears off.
| Stage | What happens | How it feels |
|---|---|---|
| Numbing | Gel then local anaesthetic | A brief sting, then numb |
| Removing decay | Drill or hand tools clean the cavity | Pressure and vibration |
| Placing the filling | Composite set in layers with a light | Nothing sharp |
| Bite check | Adjusting and polishing | Biting on paper |
After your filling
It is common for the tooth to feel sensitive to cold or pressure for a few days while the nerve settles, especially after a deeper filling. This usually eases on its own. With a composite filling you can generally eat as soon as the anaesthetic fades, though it is sensible to chew on the other side for the first day. Our articles on eating after a filling and how long numbness lasts cover the first day in more detail. If sharp pain lingers beyond a couple of weeks, ring your dentist.
Frequently asked questions
Does getting a filling hurt?
With local anaesthetic the procedure itself is usually painless. You feel pressure and vibration but not sharp pain. Very small, shallow fillings can sometimes be done without any numbing at all.
How long does a filling take?
Most fillings take 20 to 60 minutes depending on the size and location of the cavity. A large or deep filling on a back tooth takes longer than a small one at the front.
Can I eat after a filling?
With a composite filling you can eat once the numbness wears off, usually a couple of hours later. It is wise to avoid very hard or sticky food on that tooth for the first day.
Why is my tooth sensitive after a filling?
Mild sensitivity to cold or pressure is normal for a few days as the nerve recovers, particularly after a deeper filling. If it worsens or lasts beyond two weeks, see our guide to sensitivity after a filling and contact your dentist.
How much does a filling cost?
The fee depends on the size and material. We do not list our prices here. See our filling cost guide for general ranges and our current offers for a quote.
The bottom line
A filling is a quick, routine repair that is comfortable under local anaesthetic and usually done in one visit. Knowing the steps, numbing, removing decay, placing the material and checking the bite, makes the appointment far less daunting. The sooner decay is treated, the smaller and simpler the filling. The team at Lumi Dental can check your teeth and treat any decay early. See our current offers or book with a general dentist in Melrose Park. This article is general information and not a substitute for personal dental advice.
