You’ve probably heard of the term “dental bonding” before; it’s used to fix a myriad of different dental issues. In a lot of cases it’s used cosmetically to repair the aesthetic of a tooth (or teeth). In those instances a dentist will use what is called “tooth colored composite resin.” In other cases though, dental bonding serves as a function, protecting a tooth from further decay, sensitivity or to replace enamel. Even the simplest of things that you routinely go to the dentist for are fixed up through dental bonding or dental filling; like cavities. But that is not the only example of it. Before we get into listing the reasons for the procedure, let’s just explain what it is and how it’s done.
If you’re experiencing sensitivity or pain in your back teeth (ones that aren’t visible), your dentist will use what is called a “filling;” you’ve heard this associated with cavities. If the tooth in question is in the front of your mouth and is seen, then they will perform a “bonding” technique.
Dental bonding is a relatively simple and painless procedure. It usually does not require numbing or anesthesia unless it is to fill a cavity. What the dentist does is they etch the surface of the tooth with a liquid or a gel to roughen it up, giving the bonding material something to adhere or grip to. Once the etching is complete, the next step is to to apply adhesive, then comes the bonding material. After shaping the bonding material the to look like your tooth, the dentist will then use ultraviolet rays/light to harden the material. The entire procedure should last between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the severity of the issue. Pretty simple, right? Typically you would know if you need a filling because cavities are painful. But what are the other reasons that one would need this done?
- If your tooth is chipped or cracked, bonding can repair or replace the missing part
- To improve appearance if your teeth are extremely discolored or stained
- To close minor spaces between teeth
- If you have short teeth and you’d like to make them appear longer
- To change the shape of a tooth if they are pointed or deformed for any reason
- To protect portions of exposed roots from a receding gum line
If or when you undergo any of the above procedures, you should be pretty well taken care of for the better part of a decade before you need to replace the bond or touch it up (provided you are following regular and healthy dental hygienic habits).
The dental experts here at Little Rock Family Dental Care specialize in all of the procedures mentioned in this post. We’re here to help! So, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, click here to make an appointment or give us a call at (501) 954-9900 – consultations for new patients are FREE!