The duration and number of appointments needed for the process may vary from patient to patient, depending upon the severity and intensity of the damage. Generally, two appointments are all that it takes to complete the entire tooth-filling procedure. The first appointment involves an in-depth assessment and cleaning of the affected area followed by the application of anesthesia. While in the second one, your dentist will proceed with curing, shaping, and polishing the area to make sure that everything is as perfect as you would need it to be.