How Long Does It Take to Fill a Cavity?

Dental caries is a major global public health problem and is common in both children and adults. Demineralisation of tooth enamel, which begins with the acidic effect of bacterial plaque, progresses to the dentine and pulp layers if left untreated.

If not treated in time, decay can progress to the inside of the tooth and cause serious problems such as pain and infection. Fillings not only fill the decayed area, but also make an important contribution to chewing function, tooth durability and long-term oral health. If there is tooth loss, dental implant options can be evaluated.

So, How Long Does It Take to Fill a Cavity? Filling treatment usually takes between 20 minutes and 60 minutes. Below we can list the factors affecting this time as follows.

Factors Affecting the Duration of Dental Filling

Size and Depth of the Cavity

The duration of tooth filling is directly related to the size and depth of the caries. In small and superficial caries, the procedure can be completed in a short time, while in deep and extensive caries, the stages of removing more tissue and applying the filling material are prolonged. Since deep caries is closer to the internal structure of the tooth, the treatment becomes more complex and more time may be required to properly place the filling.

Filling Material to be applied

The type of material to be filled is one of the main factors determining the length of the treatment process. Aesthetic restorative materials, such as composite resins, require more time and precision in the clinical stages, as they require dentin adhesion and polymerisation in layers. In contrast, amalgam restorations can be placed in one go and can be applied more quickly in terms of condensation techniques. However, the polymerisation or crystallisation times required for each material to reach final hardness and durability also directly affect the treatment time; therefore, material-based hardening processes play a critical role in determining the total duration of the filling process.

Material Based Hardening:

Amalgam:

Amalgam fillings are restorations consisting of a powdered alloy of about 50% mercury and other metals such as silver, copper and tin. In the clinical stage, this alloy is mixed in a capsule, placed in the cavity as a soft paste and shaped with pressure. The hardening process is not instantaneous; an 'initial hardening' phase of 1 hour is required to transition from liquid to solid. Full hardness usually occurs within 24 hours; at the end of this period, amalgam fillings gain the strength to remain in the mouth for many years.

The use of amalgam decreased rapidly due to aesthetic concerns and increased awareness of the toxic effects of mercury, and the European Union banned its use for all patients as of 1 January 2025.

Composite:

Composite fillings are light-cured and are allowed to harden with the light source for approximately 3 to 20 seconds for each layer. When the filling is complete, the process is completed after the last layer has been light cured, but full hardening may take several hours.

Ceramic:

Ceramic-based inlay and onlay restorations are indirect restorations produced in a laboratory environment outside the mouth, unlike composites placed directly in the clinic. Lost-wax technique, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) or heat pressing methods are used by taking the impression of the cavity prepared by the dentist. The porcelain applied on the soft wax model is crystallised by pressing or sintering under high temperature and vacuum, thus strengthening the microstructure of the material and achieving full mechanical strength. It takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Glass Ionomer:

Glass ionomer fillings require only a few minutes for initial hardening. However, the full maturation process of the material can take days or months. This material is generally preferred for temporary fillings or areas close to the gums.

Anaesthesia Administration

Anaesthesia administration is important to ensure the comfort of the patient, but requires additional time to ensure the effect of the anaesthetic and to numb the surgical area. When local anaesthesia is administered, it is usually necessary to wait a few minutes for the area to become numb. In addition, the time under the influence of the anaesthetic and the patient's reaction to the anaesthetic may also affect the duration of the procedure.

Patient Comfort

The patient's comfort and psychological readiness for the treatment may affect the filling time. The patient's anxiety level may require the doctor to spend more time during the procedure. Especially for patients with excessive fear of dental treatment, the doctor's communication skills and explanations before treatment can prolong the process. Ensuring the patient's comfort requires extra care to ensure that they feel comfortable both physically and mentally.

Doctor's Communication Time

Dentists' communication with their patients is part of the treatment process. The time the doctor takes to inform the patient about the treatment, build confidence about the procedure and explain the treatment plan can add an additional time frame to the procedure time. Good communication helps to allay the patient's concerns, while at the same time ensuring that a more careful and attentive approach is adopted during the treatment. This can also increase the duration of the procedure.

Each of these factors are important factors affecting the duration of dental filling application. Accurate estimation of the treatment time is critical in managing the expectations of both patients and dentists towards the treatment process.