When there is an aesthetic issue with one of your teeth, dental bonding may be an effective treatment option. Common problems addressed by bonding include broken teeth, severely discolored teeth, or teeth that are slightly off in shape or size. Since they are not as durable as other restorative treatments, bonding is usually used for small fixes or adjustments rather than major changes to the mouth. While it is fairly low-maintenance, dental bonding requires some basic upkeep and mindfulness in order for it to continue to look good and function as it should.
While you might consider alternative options such as a crown or dental veneer, dental bonding offers the advantages of being fast, minimally invasive, and relatively affordable. A downside of bonding is that it does not last forever. With proper care, it can last up to about 10 years, but eventually, it may come loose or fall out completely. If this happens, it is important to stay calm and take measures to fix the damaged areas in a timely manner.
If an old bonding falls out, a new one can typically be applied by your dentist to replace it. Unless you are in pain, the loss of bonding is probably not a dental emergency. You should contact your dentist right away to let them know what happened, but you may not be able to get an appointment for several more days. Here is what to do in the interim.
The bonding material is nearly as hard as the enamel of your natural teeth. If you accidentally bite down on it, you could damage another tooth. You should also avoid swallowing the bonding material. You can take it out of your mouth by hand. When you talk to your dentist, you can ask if you need to save it. Most likely, your dentist will perform a new bonding, so saving the old one should not be necessary.
If a bonding falls out, your tooth becomes vulnerable to bacteria that could cause an infection. Salt has natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties, so gargling or rinsing with a warm salt solution can help to keep your tooth healthy until you can see your dentist.
After losing dental bonding, teeth may become painful or sensitive. If you have swelling, you can use a cold compress to numb the pain and reduce the inflammation. You can also use an over-the-counter analgesic to help relieve the pain. Do not take aspirin as this could cause bleeding, but acetaminophen or ibuprofen are appropriate options.
By taking proper care of your teeth, you can help dental bonding to last longer and prevent it from falling out completely. You do not necessarily have to do anything special to take care of the bonding. If you are not already brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once daily, you should adopt this care regime. Otherwise, you can continue doing what you are already doing.
Dental bonding is strong but vulnerable to pressure. Like natural teeth, it can break if you attempt to bite or chew objects such as pencils, fingernails, or ice. You should also try to avoid chewing hard candies or using your teeth to open containers.
Pay attention to any changes that may affect your dental bonding, such as new differences in your bite or edges that lift up or feel sharp. Discuss these issues with your dentist and have regular examinations.
When damage occurs to a bonding, schedule an appointment with the dentist right away. The appointment to replace the bonding should take around an hour and can restore the broken or missing areas.
Dental bonding can be an effective option for treating chipped or cracked teeth. While the resin is very strong, it does not last forever. The care you put into maintaining dental bonding, such as regular brushing, benefits your overall dental health and helps the bonding to last as long as possible. You should care for your teeth to prevent the bonding from falling out and know what to do if it does. While alternative options, such as crowns or veneers may last longer than bonding, most restorative dental procedures will eventually succumb to wear and tear and require a return visit to the dentist. Regular appointments can help you to keep track of the state of your bonding.
Request an appointment here: https://www.southerncalsmiles.com or call Southern Cal Smiles: Susan Fredericks, D.D.S, M.P.H. at (818) 657-8055 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills office.
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