Step by step: what happens in the chair
Step 1, examination: the dentist checks the tooth, often with an X-ray, to see how deep the decay goes. If it is close to the nerve, a filling may not be enough, and a different treatment may be discussed.
Step 2, numbing: a local anaesthetic is given near the tooth. A numbing gel on the gum first makes the injection less noticeable. You feel a pinch, then the area goes numb in a few minutes.
Step 3, removing decay: the dentist uses a drill or other instrument to take out the soft decayed tooth and shape the cavity. Healthy tooth is kept where possible.
Step 4, placing the filling: the cavity is cleaned and dried. Tooth-coloured composite is placed in thin layers and hardened with a blue light. Other materials are packed and set instead. See types of dental fillings for the options.
Step 5, shaping and bite check: the surface is shaped and polished. You bite on thin paper so the dentist can see if the filling is too high, and adjusts it until your bite feels natural.
Is a teeth filling painful?
With the tooth numb, a filling should not hurt. You will feel pressure, vibration and the sound of the drill, which can be unsettling but is not pain. Tell the dentist at once if you feel any sharp sensation, because more anaesthetic can be given.
Infected or inflamed teeth can be harder to numb, and nervous patients feel things more. These are things to mention beforehand. Afterwards, the injection site and the gum may be sore, and the tooth can be sensitive for a few days. Our guide on sensitivity after a filling explains what is normal and what is not.
After the filling
Do not chew on the numb side until the feeling returns, usually in two to four hours, as it is easy to bite your cheek or tongue. With a composite filling you can usually eat normally once numbness wears off, but follow the instruction you are given.
Mild sensitivity to cold or biting for a few days is common. A bite that feels high, pain that grows rather than fades, or a filling that falls out needs a return visit; our guide on what to do if a filling falls out covers that. If a visit is split in two, a temporary filling holds the tooth between visits. For general information, see the tooth fillings page.
Common questions
How long does a filling take?
A simple filling often takes 30 to 60 minutes including numbing, though a large or deep one takes longer. Time is mostly spent waiting for the anaesthetic to work and layering the material.
Can I eat or drink after a filling?
Wait until the numbness has gone before eating, and avoid very hot drinks while numb. Your dentist will tell you if the material you had needs any waiting time before chewing.
Will I need an injection every time?
Very small cavities near the surface sometimes need none, but most fillings are done with local anaesthetic so that the tooth is comfortable. Talk to your dentist if needles worry you.
Why does my bite feel strange after a filling?
A filling that is slightly high will feel like the tooth hits first. Numbness can also hide this. If it still feels high the next day, go back and have it adjusted, because a high filling can cause pain.
About this page
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a quotation. Prices are prevailing Lucknow market ranges. Your own treatment and cost are determined after an examination. For questions about your own case, call +91 83036 12717.