A filling is the most common dental procedure there is, and one of the quickest. If you've never had one, or your last one was in the school dental clinic days, here's what actually happens now.
The steps, start to finish
A straightforward filling usually takes 30 to 45 minutes:
- 1/We numb the area with a small injection. A numbing gel on the gum first takes the sting out of that too. Within a few minutes the tooth and nearby lip feel puffy and asleep.
- 2/The decayed part of the tooth is removed. You'll hear the drill and feel water spray and vibration, but no pain. If you feel anything sharp, raise a hand and we stop.
- 3/The hole is washed and dried, then a mild conditioning gel and bonding layer are applied so the filling sticks properly.
- 4/White composite filling material goes in soft, in thin layers, each one set hard with a bright blue light.
- 5/We shape the filling to match your tooth and check your bite with a piece of carbon paper you'll be asked to tap and grind on.
- 6/A final polish, and you're done.
The numb-face stage
The anaesthetic hangs around for two to four hours after the visit. Talking feels funny and drinking can be dribbly, which is completely normal. The main rule: don't chew on that side until feeling returns, because it's surprisingly easy to bite your cheek without noticing.
After the numbness wears off
A new filling can feel a little sensitive to cold or biting for a few days while the tooth settles. That's normal and fades. If your bite feels high, like the new filling touches before your other teeth do, come back and we'll adjust it in two minutes. No need to put up with it.
What it costs at Supertooth
Fillings are quoted in writing after your exam, before anything is booked. If you're new to us, the $79 exam with X-rays is the place to start, and you'll leave knowing exactly what needs doing and what it costs.
Quick questions
- Are white fillings as good as the old silver ones?
- Modern composites are strong, long-lasting and bond to the tooth, which lets us keep more healthy tooth structure. They're the standard of care for most fillings now.
Sources: New Zealand Dental Association, patient guidance on fillings and restorations. This article is general information, not a substitute for an examination and personal advice from a dentist. If you're in pain or unsure, book a visit or call 09 964 0508.
