The duration of a dental filling procedure for a minor carious lesion is influenced by several factors. These include the location of the tooth, the extent of the decay, the type of filling material used, and the dentist’s experience. A typical appointment for this procedure encompasses preparation, decay removal, filling placement, and polishing.
Addressing small cavities promptly is important for preventing further tooth decay and potential complications such as infection or the need for more extensive dental work like root canals. Historically, various materials have been employed for fillings, evolving from amalgam to composite resins and other tooth-colored options, each with different placement techniques impacting appointment length.