Is Dental Bonding Painful?

Dental flaws like chips, cracks, gaps, and misalignments can affect oral health, function, and smile. Fortunately, a dental procedure like dental bonding can repair your dental imperfections and give you a smile you love.

If you have an appointment for dental bonding, you might wonder what happens during the procedure and whether it’s painful. Read on to learn more about teeth bonding.

What is Dental Bonding?

Teeth bonding entails applying tooth-colored material to your tooth and shaping it to improve its shape, size, and color. Dental bonding is considered more of a cosmetic procedure than restorative. However, it also improves dental function and oral health.

Is Dental Bonding Right for me?

While effective and safe, dental bonding is only suitable for some. The only sure way to know whether it’s right for you is to consult your dentist for an exam. Typically, teeth bonding is effective for minor dental imperfections like:

• Teeth chips and cracks
• Teeth stains or yellowing
• Improper teeth gaps
• Teeth misalignments
• Uneven or misshapen teeth
• Short teeth
• Enamel erosion

If you have moderate to severe functional flaws, you may need more complex treatments dental crowns, inlays and Onlays, fillings, and tooth extractions.

What is the Dental Bonding Process?

Bonding a single tooth takes about 30 – 60 minutes. Similarly, anesthesia isn’t always necessary.

During the procedure, the dentist uses a shade of resin material that closely matches your natural teeth. Next, the dentist will apply an etching solution to roughen the tooth for easy bonding. Next, a bonding agent is applied, followed by a putty-like resin material.

The dentist then molds and shapes the bonding material to achieve the desired shape and size of the tooth. A special blue light hardens the bonding material.

Lastly, the dentist will remove any excess material and polish the tooth to match your natural teeth.

How Much Pain is Involved With Dental Bonding?

Based on your level of anxiety and discomfort, the dentist may provide an anesthetic to keep you pain-free and comfortable.

Caring for Your Bonded Teeth

If you had an aesthetic during dental bonding avoid eating or drinking hot items until the anesthesia wears off completely. Other tips for caring for your mouth and bonded teeth include:

• Take medication as prescribed by the dentist.
• Completely avoid colored items for the next 48 hours. Colored items like coffee, soda, tea, tomato sauce, and dark chocolate can easily stain newly bonded teeth.
• Limit highly pigmented items. Be sure to clean or rinse your mouth after taking these items.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Avoid chewing hard foods like nuts and ice, as it can cause the bonding material to chip or crack.
• Brush twice daily and floss at least once daily to keep your bonded teeth and mouth healthy and good-looking.
• Schedule routine dental cleanings and check-ups every six months.
• Visit our dentist near you if your bonding material is chipped, worn out, damaged, or stained.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you ready to transform your smile with a dental bonding treatment? Contact Jeffrey L. Cohen, DDS, for more information.