If you’re curious, the simple answer is that filling a typical cavity usually takes only about 20 to 60 minutes. In many cases, a small cavity can be done in around 20–30 minutes, while a larger or harder-to-reach cavity might push closer to an hour. Thanks to modern drills and filling materials, dentists can work faster and more comfortably than in the past. In fact, one source explains the whole procedure “shouldn’t take more than about an hour”.

Several factors influence the time. For example, if you have multiple cavities, each one will add more time – each additional filling typically adds another 20–60 minutes to your appointment. The size and depth of the cavity is a big factor: a tiny shallow cavity on a front tooth might be fixed very quickly, but a very deep or large cavity on a back molar will take longer to clean and fill. The tooth’s location matters too: fillings on front teeth (incisors and canines) are usually quicker, while back molars can be harder to access and often take more time.

Key Factors Affecting Filling Time

• Cavity size and complexity: Small, shallow cavities (especially on front teeth) can often be fixed in under 20 minutes. Very large cavities or ones affecting several surfaces can take 45–60 minutes or more to prep and fill.

• Tooth location: Front teeth are easier to reach and see, so fillings there usually go faster. Back molars (and premolars) are harder to work on, which can add extra time to the procedure.

• Number of cavities: Needing more than one filling extends the appointment. Each cavity generally adds about 20–60 minutes of work. Dentists may split very large numbers of fillings into multiple visits for comfort.

• Type of filling material: Tooth-colored composite fillings require layering. Each 20–40 second curing session adds a bit of time, so a typical composite filling might take 15–25 minutes to place (for all layers). Silver amalgam (metal) fillings, by contrast, are mixed and packed in one step (often around 5–10 minutes).

• Numbing time: The dentist needs a few minutes to inject local anesthesia. Most patients wait around 5–10 minutes for the anesthetic to fully set before drilling. This step adds a short wait to your overall appointment.

Once the dentist begins working, they follow a fairly routine process. Here are the main steps and their typical durations:

1. Numbing (5–10 minutes): The dentist injects local anesthetic to numb the area (often after applying a topical numbing gel). You might feel a quick pinch, then within a few minutes the tooth and surrounding gum are fully numb.

2. Removing decay (5–25 minutes): Using a drill or laser, the dentist carefully removes the decayed (rotten) part of the tooth. A very small cavity might only take 5–10 minutes to clean out, while a large or deep cavity can require 20–25 minutes of careful drilling.

3. Cleaning and preparing (a few minutes): After decay removal, the dentist disinfects and prepares the cavity. They often apply an acid gel (etching) to help the new filling bond to the tooth. This step usually only adds a few extra minutes.

4. Applying the filling (5–25 minutes): The chosen filling material is placed. For composite fillings, resin is added in thin layers, each cured with a special light for about 20–40 seconds. All layers together might take 15–25 minutes to place. A metal amalgam filling, by contrast, is mixed and packed in one step (about 5–10 minutes).

5. Shaping and polishing (a few minutes): Finally, the dentist trims and polishes the new filling so it fits your bite smoothly. This last step typically only takes a few minutes, completing the procedure.

All together, these steps usually add up to around 20–60 minutes for a typical filling procedure. Even with the numbing and finishing touches, most single fillings are done in under an hour. Very small cavities will be near the low end of this range, while larger or multiple fillings will approach the higher end.

Final Thoughts

In summary, a cavity filling is generally a quick, routine fix. Thanks to modern techniques, dentists often complete it in under an hour. You’ll leave the office with your tooth restored (and your smile intact) – just remember the area will be numb for a while afterward. Overall, plan on roughly 20–60 minutes per filling in most cases.

For perspective, a root canal or crown procedure usually takes much longer (often 1–2 hours). A straightforward filling is on the shorter side of dental treatments. By understanding the factors and steps involved, you can be prepared and relaxed. In the end, about an hour (or less) in the dentist’s chair gets your cavity filled and lets you get back to smiling quickly.