Getting multiple cavities filled can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. When you need to get 3 cavities filled, you’re probably wondering how long the whole process will take and how to prepare. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about getting 3 cavities filled, from how long each appointment will be to what you can do to make the experience as smooth and efficient as possible.
What to Expect at a 3 Cavity Filling Appointment
When you have 3 cavities that need to be filled, you’ll likely need to make 2 separate appointments. Most dentists recommend only getting 1-2 fillings done per appointment. This is because:
- The filling process requires time for anesthesia to numb the area.
- Dentists need adequate time to remove decay and place the filling material properly.
- It minimizes the amount of time you need to sit with your mouth open.
So for 3 cavities, you can expect to have a first appointment to take care of 1-2 fillings, and a second appointment scheduled 1-2 weeks later to finish the remaining filling(s).
Appointment 1:
The first cavity filling appointment will likely take 30-60 minutes. Here’s a general timeline of what you can expect:
- Anesthesia – The dentist will first numb the area around the tooth/teeth getting filled. This takes around 5-10 minutes to fully kick in.
- Tooth preparation – The decayed part of the tooth is then drilled away. This takes 10-15 minutes per tooth.
- Filling placement – The cleaned cavity is filled with composite resin or amalgam material. This takes around 5-10 minutes per filling.
- Bite adjustment – Biting down on the new filling is checked and adjusted as needed. Allow 5 minutes total for this.
Appointment 2:
The second appointment 1-2 weeks later will follow the same process but should only take around 30 minutes since there is 1 less filling to place. Numbing and preparation still takes about 15 minutes per tooth, and bite adjustment adds another 5 minutes.
Factors that Affect Duration
While the above provides a general timeframe, the exact duration of your cavity filling appointments can be affected by:
| Factor | Impact on Duration |
|---|---|
| Number of fillings | More fillings means longer appointments |
| Location of the cavity | Harder to reach cavities take longer to numb and fill |
| Size of the cavity | Larger cavities require more drilling/filling time |
| Type of anesthesia | General anesthesia adds more time compared to local anesthesia |
| Material used | Composite fillings take 2-5 mins longer than amalgam per tooth |
Your dentist will be able to provide a more accurate timeframe after evaluating the specifics of your cavities during your initial checkup.
Appointment Preparation Tips
Getting multiple cavities filled in one visit can be tiring. Here are some tips to make the experience as easy and comfortable as possible:
Before Your Appointment
- Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen to help prevent post-procedure discomfort.
- Avoid caffeine for optimal effects of local anesthesia.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing so you can relax during the procedure.
- Bring headphones to listen to music and distract yourself.
- Arrange transportation since anesthetized mouths can make driving difficult.
During Your Appointment
- Use the restroom beforehand since you’ll be in the dental chair for an extended period.
- Let your dentist know if you feel any pain during the procedure.
- Focus on breathing slowly and evenly through your nose to stay calm.
- Raise your hand as a signal if you need a break at any point.
After Your Appointment
- Avoid eating or drinking until complete numbness wears off to prevent biting your tongue/lips.
- Rest with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
- Use ice packs on your cheek to minimize pain and inflammation.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean.
- Stick to soft foods for the first day to avoid putting pressure on freshly filled teeth.
Recovery Time After Fillings
Once your numbness subsides, you may notice some tenderness or sensitivity around the filled teeth. This is normal and should resolve within a few days. Here is the typical recovery timeline:
- First 24 hours – Potential minor pain, swelling and sensitivity as anesthesia wears off.
- 3-5 days – Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures may persist during this time.
- 1 week – Any swelling, stiffness or soreness should be greatly reduced.
- 2 weeks – You should be able to chew and eat on the filled teeth with no discomfort.
Let your dentist know if you have any unusual symptoms like severe pain, fever or swelling after your fillings. You may need to come in for a follow-up appointment or antibiotic prescription.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Here are some things you can do to help your mouth recover quickly after multiple fillings:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water after eating.
- Avoid chewing on the filled teeth until fully healed.
- Stick to a soft food diet for a few days.
- Don’t drink hot, cold or acidic drinks.
- Avoid crunchy, sticky, and hard foods.
- Use desensitizing toothpaste if you have sensitivity.
- Wait 24 hours for anesthesia to fully wear off before evaluating any pain or concerns.
With proper care, your filled teeth should feel normal again within 1-2 weeks. But don’t hesitate to call your dentist if the sensitivity persists beyond this timeframe.
When to Call the Dentist After Fillings
In most cases, some minor discomfort is normal during your recovery period. But call the dentist right away if you experience:
- Severe throbbing or sharp pain that medication does not relieve
- Pain or sensitivity that increases day after day
- Swelling that gets worse instead of better
- Bleeding around the filled tooth
- A reaction to the anesthetic like hives, dizziness, or trouble breathing
- Numbness that lasts longer than a few hours
- Fillings that come out or break
Experiencing any of these symptoms could indicate an underlying problem that needs to be addressed by your dentist. It’s always better to get checked out if something doesn’t feel right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I eat after getting 3 fillings?
It’s best to wait until full numbness wears off before eating, usually within a few hours. Start with soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the filled teeth until healed.
Will I need pain medication after multiple fillings?
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are usually enough to manage discomfort. Take as directed on the bottle for the first few days.
How long do I need to wait between cavity filling appointments?
Most dentists recommend spacing out appointments by 1-2 weeks. This allows adequate healing time and minimizes irritation to the mouth.
Can I drive myself home after getting 3 fillings?
You should not drive for at least 2 hours after anesthesia or sedation. Arrange for someone to drive you home after your appointment.
When will sensitivity go away after a filling?
It’s normal to have some temperature sensitivity for 3-5 days. If it persists beyond 2 weeks, call your dentist as you may need an adjustment.
The Bottom Line
Getting multiple cavity fillings done at once can seem daunting, but is easily manageable by spacing appointments 1-2 weeks apart. Allow about 30-60 minutes per visit, depending on the number and extent of fillings needed. Prepare by arranging a ride home, taking pain medication beforehand, and sticking to soft foods after. With proper care, sensitivity and discomfort should resolve within 1-2 weeks. Don’t hesitate to call your dentist if symptoms seem severe or get worse instead of better over time.