Health & Healing
How long does a filling take?
Estimated wait
~1 hour
Based on published sources
Numbness from the anaesthetic typically lasts 1–3 hours (longer for lower teeth) — avoid chewing or hot drinks until it fades so you don't bite your lip or cheek. No official body publishes an exact procedure time; the 20–60 minute range is typical dental-practice guidance. General information, not dental advice.
A routine dental filling is a single short visit, usually about 20–60 minutes in the chair depending on the size of the cavity and how many teeth are treated — a simple single filling is often 20–30 minutes, larger or multiple fillings closer to an hour. You leave the same day and the tooth is functional as soon as the filling has set.
More details
The only lingering effect is numbness from the local anaesthetic.
Last updated: 10 Jul 2026
Information is for general knowledge only.