What to Expect During a Dental Bonding Procedure
If that front gap or chipped tooth has been bothering you, now is an excellent time to consider fixing it. One standard procedure to remedy these and other problems is dental bonding. Your dentist might have recommended it, but you might still have questions. Here’s what to expect if you decide to get dental bonding.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a standard method of fixing decay, discoloration, chips, breaks, and gaps in teeth. Your local cosmetic specialist also uses bonding to correct an uneven bite, often due to crooked teeth. Bonding is not merely cosmetic but essential in dental restoration and addressing serious dental problems.
Your Cincinnati bonding specialist may suggest bonding for teeth that are:
- Misshapen
- Chipped or cracked
- Discolored
- Separated by large gaps
- Appear too short
A dentist in your area who performs bonding uses resin, a composite substance that starts out similar to putty. Your provider shapes the resin to look like one of your natural teeth. They also alter the color so that it blends in flawlessly.
Before placing the bonded material, your dentist will etch or roughen your tooth’s surface and apply a conditioning liquid to make the bond attach more easily. After placing the bonding material, your dentist will use a laser or UV light to harden it. Subsequently, there’s trimming of excess material and polishing to match the bonding to the original tooth.
What Will Happen During My Dental Bonding Procedure?
You’ll need a consultation with your practitioner before your dental bonding. Your initial visit will involve discussing your dental issue and oral health goals. Your dentist will also take X-rays of your gums and teeth to ensure dental bonding is the most appropriate treatment. If you have severe decay or gum disease, you’ll need to address those problems before you can get dental bonding.
During the procedure, which typically takes 30-60 minutes, your dentist will first select the shade of composite resin that best matches your tooth. Then, they’ll prepare your tooth by etching it slightly and applying the condition liquid to make the bonding stick better.
Applying the resin involves molding it into the desired shape and smoothing it. After placing the resin material on the tooth, your dentist will harden it with a UV light. Finally, polishing and other adjustments ensure your tooth looks as natural as before the procedure.
The most important question you might have is whether dental bonding is painful. Rest assured that there’s no pain involved. Because the dental work doesn’t occur anywhere near nerve endings, you likely won’t need anesthesia.
Post-Procedure Care
Be prepared for some sensitivity for a few days afterward. You can use over-the-counter pain medicine to alleviate any discomfort. As with any dental procedure, you’ll want to take extra care, including regular brushing and flossing. If any pain or discomfort persists, follow up with your dentist as soon as possible.
Restore Your Winning Smile with Dental Bonding
Bonding from your neighborhood provider is a common solution to many dental problems, like chipped or broken teeth. If you have questions or think you need dental bonding, contact us today at Beckham Square Family Dental. Call our office at 513.489.7800 or complete our online form.