How Painful is the Tooth Bonding Procedure?

Are you worried about making your smile better without involving too much effort and expense? Tooth bonding is a simple and affordable option you should consider. Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure for repairing chipped, broken, cracked and teeth not so much damaged by effects of decay.

The boding procedure is also utilized to fill the small gaps between teeth to change or alter the shape of teeth. In the boding procedure at Alexander Family Dental, the dentist in Queen Creek, AZ, applies double material on the surface of the teeth to enhance its outlook. The materials match the natural tooth color, so the finished work looks so natural.

Is Dental Bonding Right for Me?

Dental bonding is the right procedure for you if you have a problematic tooth that causes discomfort when you smile. Perhaps you have a tooth or several teeth discolored due to the intake of certain beverages like coffee or alcohol. It may also be a tooth that’s shorter than others which causes an uneven smile. Sometimes you may be needing to address tooth decay. In all these situations, bonding is the right procedure for your oral health.

Additionally, unlike other restorative procedures like amalgam fillings, dental veneers, and crowns, bonding is minimally invasive, causes less pain, and is less costly. It’s also easier to undergo the bonding process.

These are the top reasons why dentists recommend tooth bonding. Also, if you have a tooth requiring restoration in a low bite area like at the front of the mouth, your dentist will most likely recommend a tooth bonding. It’s because you are less likely to chew using your front teeth, and they are easier to care for.

The Tooth Bonding Process

Dental bonding is a laid-back process that doesn’t involve many steps.

The dentist begins by using a shade guide to determine the correct shade of the composite resin to match the color of your natural teeth. He then roughens the tooth/teeth in need of restoration for the resin to bond easily. Your dentist then applies a bonding agent, and the composite resin follows.

What follows is a molding of the resin to the desired shape that matches the tooth being treated and the surrounding teeth. The dentist in Queen Creek, AZ, then uses UV light or laser to harden the resin. After hardening, it’s further polished and remolded to match the exact look of the natural teeth.

This whole process may last you 30 to 60 minutes on one tooth. Also, unless your procedure needs anesthesia, there is no required downtime. You can get back to your normal work routines as soon as the process is over.

Is the Dental Pain Normal?

Several factors affect the pain you experience during a dental bonding procedure. First is the oral hygiene of the patient, and second is the location of the procedure. Mostly, the dental bonding procedure is usually painless since it involves activity only on the tooth surface.

The only time the procedure may be painful is when it involves a cavity repair. Since the cavity is mainly decayed matter, it may be somewhat uncomfortable as the boning resin is inserted into the cavity. The reason is that tooth decay may have invaded the nerve endings.

In addition, pain may be felt if the bonding procedure is performed on a tooth so close to the gums or other tissues with vulnerable nerves and tissues. For such procedures, your dentist may recommend topical anesthetics or pain relievers before the process begins, considering your sensitivity levels and the presence of any decay near the bonding site.

Nonetheless, most dental bonding patients report minimal or no pain levels throughout the procedure.  Mostly, the pride in the excellent results outweighs any discomfort.

How To Care for Your Bonding

After a tooth bonding procedure caring for the newly bonded teeth is highly crucial. Besides brushing and flossing, it’s essential to avoid chewing on hard foods and objects that can chip or break the bonding material.

Note that it’s easier for the bonding material to stain than the tooth enamel. To prevent staining, limit the intake of beverages like coffee, red wine, and tobacco smoke. A frequent user of these substances should deliberate other treatment options to prevent uneven staining.

Also, the length of your tooth bonds depends on your overall oral habits, the expanse of the restoration, and the material used. A tooth-boding repair is expected to last between three and seven years.

Speak to Your Dentist

Before, during, and after the procedure, be sure to ask your dentist any questions or report something going wrong. Your dentist is the best chance to alleviate a problem that develops with your bonded teeth. Schedule an appointment today and discuss with your cosmetic dentist the best available treatment options for you.