Last updated 07.10.2025
How long does it take to fill a cavity?
This article explains how long cavity fillings take, what to expect during the process, and how to care for fillings.
Cavities are extremely common—in fact, nearly 90% of adults will have some tooth decay at some point in their lives¹ and about 21% of adults currently have an untreated cavity.² Cavities happen when the enamel on your tooth starts to break down. If they’re not taken care of, the decay can get deeper into the tooth, which can cause more pain and larger issues down the road.
Fortunately, filling a cavity is a quick and routine dental procedure. Most cavity fillings take less than an hour and can restore your tooth while relieving any discomfort.
If you’re worried about tooth decay or think you might have a cavity, schedule an appointment with your local Aspen Dental care team. We’ll check your oral health and create a personalized treatment plan to fill your cavities and get you smiling confidently again.
¹National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research – Dental Caries (Tooth Decay) in Adults (Ages 20 to 64 Years)
²Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report: Selected Findings
How cavities work
Cavities form when acid from bacteria starts breaking down the hard outer layer of your tooth, leaving behind a small hole or divot. If left untreated, the bacteria can keep eating away at the tooth, eventually reaching the softer inner layers. Cavities can cause pain and even lead to root damage, infections or in serious cases, tooth loss.
If you’re feeling tooth pain or notice signs of a cavity, don’t wait to get it checked out. A dental filling can stop the decay and get your teeth back to feeling healthy and strong.
How long do cavity fillings take?
Getting a dental cavity filled is a quick and common procedure that usually takes less than an hour. For small, easy-to-reach cavities, it might only take about 30 minutes. More complex cavities, like those between two teeth, could take closer to an hour. Your Aspen Dental care team can let you know how long your specific filling will take so contact your local office today.
What to expect during the cavity filling procedure
Getting a cavity filled is a quick and straightforward process that usually takes just 30 to 60 minutes. Here's what happens step by step:
Numbing the area: Your dentist will make sure you’re comfortable and at ease before they begin working on your cavity by numbing the area being treated.
Removing the decay: The damaged part of your tooth is gently removed, and any bacteria is cleared away to stop further decay.
Placing the filling: Your dentist fills the cleaned area with a material like composite to restore your tooth’s natural look and function.
Checking the bite: Finally, your dentist ensures the filling feels smooth, comfortable and lines up perfectly with your other teeth.
How long does a cavity filling take to set?
Cavity fillings must be set after the dental filling procedure. The time it takes to harden depends on the filling material your dentist uses. Here’s a quick breakdown of the kinds of filling materials:
Amalgam: These traditional fillings, made with metals like mercury, silver, copper and tin, take about an hour to set initially and up to 24 hours to harden completely.
Ceramic: Ceramic fillings are cured with a special blue light and set instantly, making them a preferred filling material for both dentists and patients.
Resin composite: This white filling material, which makes up nearly all fillings performed today, is sealed with a dental light and set in just 3-20 seconds per layer. Quick, durable and natural-looking. uick and natural-looking.
Glass ionomer & cement: These fillings, also tooth-colored, start setting within 5 minutes but continue to harden over the next few days and even months as they mature.³
³National Library of Medicine – Maturation processes in glass-ionomer dental cements
Cavity filling FAQs
How soon can I eat after getting a cavity filled?
Most of the time, you can eat right after a filling since many dental materials harden within minutes. However, if you have an amalgam filling, it’s best to wait about 24 hours before eating anything tough or chewy. Dentists usually recommend holding off until the numbing wears off to avoid accidentally biting your tongue, cheek or lips.
Is getting a cavity filled painful?
Getting a cavity filled is generally a comfortable experience. Your Aspen Dental dentist will numb the area, and you might feel a bit of pressure but nothing more. Many dentists even use a topical numbing gel beforehand to help with any sensitivity.
How long is the recovery time after getting a cavity filled?
Most people feel fine right after their cavity is filled and can jump right back into their day. You might notice a bit of sensitivity around the new filling for a few hours or days, so try to avoid food or drinks that are super hot or cold until the sensitivity has stopped around the filling.
How long will my mouth be numb after a cavity filling?
The numbing effect typically lasts a few hours but could stick around for up to eight hours. Until the feeling comes back, it’s best to avoid chewing to make sure you don’t accidentally bite your tongue, cheek or lips.
Treat cavities today
Cavities are a pain, but because of fast and easy procedures in modern dentistry, there’s no reason to put off feeling your best again a day longer. At Aspen Dental, we’re here to help with cavity fillings that keep your smile healthy and strong. Schedule an appointment with us today and start feeling like you again.
