How Long Can You Wait For A Filling?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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There are two types of fillings that your dentist may use. They are as follows: Amalgam filling: This filling is silver, and it generally takes

about 24 hours

to harden completely, which means you should wait at least 24 hours before chewing where you had the filling done.

How long can a cavity wait to get filled?

Some people have softer tooth enamel than others, which makes it easier for bacteria or acid to penetrate the tooth. As a broad timeline, on average, it can take anywhere from

six months to four or five years

before a cavity needs treatment.

What happens if you wait too long to get a cavity filled?

It’s composed of harmful bacteria that, combined with an acid environment, uses sugar to attack the hard tissue of teeth (enamel and dentin). Over time, this creates a hole in a tooth. If it’s not soon repaired with a filling,

the deterioration just continues and the cavity will continue to grow

.

How long can you go without getting a filling replaced?

On average, you can expect a metal filling to last for

about 15 years

before needing to be replaced, but the length of time can vary based on several factors, such as if you grind or clench your teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of fine glass and plastic particles.

Is black dot on tooth a cavity?

Although

dark spots do not always indicate a cavity

—they may just be surface stains—you have no real way of knowing. If you spy a black or brown spot on a tooth, your first course of action should be to schedule an appointment with a dentist.

Can you get a cavity filled same day?

The most important benefit of getting same day crowns and fillings is that

the procedure is completed in a single visit

. The entire process is completed in 90 mins, which means that you can walk out of your dentist’s office with a new smile in just 90 minutes.

Do dentists lie about cavities?

A cavity is a cavity and there should be no difference between two dentists, right? The

answer is not always

. Unfortunately, a cavity can be deceptive. It can hide and be obscured by old fillings, location, or just not be obvious by eye or X-ray.

Is losing a filling an emergency?

Fillings and crowns sometimes loosen and fall out. This

is rarely an emergency

, but it can be painful because the exposed tooth tissue is often sensitive to pressure, air or hot and cold temperatures. In some cases, a filling or crown may come loose because decay has developed underneath it.

Is replacing a filling painful?

If you experience sensitivity, or feel pain in your tooth, let your dentist know right away. So, while you can expect some mild discomfort and sensitivity when getting a filling,

it is not normally a painful procedure

and is not something to fear.

Can tiny cavities go away?

Small cavities that are caught early on

can be stopped with good oral hygiene

. Taking care of your teeth with brushing, flossing, and using fluoride can help strengthen the enamel, and stop a cavity in its tracks.

What does start of cavity look like?

What Does a Cavity Look Like? While it is usually difficult to see a cavity in its beginning stages, some cavities start with

a whitish or chalky appearance on the enamel of your tooth

. More serious cases can have a discolored brown or black color. However, most often there are no distinguishable red alerts.

How many cavities is normal?

According to the National Institutes of Health, 92% of adults in the United States between the ages of 20 and 64 years have had cavities in their permanent teeth. Each of these individuals has an average of

3.28 cavities

.

How long does it take to fill 3 cavities?

A dental cavity filling takes

about an hour or less

to do. If you need several fillings, then your dentist may decide to treat them during multiple visits. After you get the filling, your tooth may feel sore or sensitive for several hours or days.

How many cavities can one tooth have?

Moreover, it’s

possible to have more than one cavity

in a single tooth. Cavities can also form anywhere on the teeth. Cavities begin when acid erodes the protective enamel of your teeth.

Do fillings hurt without injection?

It’s not uncommon to feel fear or concern about getting a cavity filled. Dental fillings can hurt in some instances. But

most cause little to no discomfort during the procedure

.

What do dentists hate the most?

  • “ I hate the dentist” …
  • Repeatedly no-showing or being late. …
  • Chatting during procedures. …
  • Complaining about and comparing costs. …
  • Waiting until it’s an emergency. …
  • Melodramatics. …
  • Smartphone addicts. …
  • Not listening.
Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.