Dental bonding has many uses and fixing chipped teeth is one of them. It is typically used to treat a chipped tooth when the damage is minor. More severe damage that affects the inner structures of the tooth usually requires a crown or root canal therapy.
While minor chips might not be accompanied by pain or discomfort, they can still lead to significant oral issues down the road. The outer layer of teeth, called enamel, is the most durable part of the body, and its job is to protect the less durable inner layers of a tooth. When enamel is chipped off, these inner layers become exposed to acids and bacteria in the mouth. This makes the tooth more vulnerable to decay and infection. A chip also leaves a tooth more vulnerable to being sensitive to hot and cold beverages and foods.
Failing to fix a chipped tooth can lead to a person feeling self-conscious about the appearance of their smile. It can lead to a person being reluctant to do things that might reveal their damaged tooth, like smiling or speaking. This can negatively impact a person’s personal and professional life.
The process of composite bonding is performed by applying a tooth-colored resin directly to a damaged tooth. The resin has a putty-like texture, and it can be molded once it has been painted on a tooth.
The process starts with the dentist preparing the patient’s tooth for the procedure by applying an etching solution to it. This roughens up the tooth’s surface so that the composite bonds better to it. Local anesthetics are rarely used during composite bonding because it is a painless procedure. A local anesthetic might be used if the patient is being treated for tooth decay, as decayed areas of teeth being treated will need to be removed.
The dentist will then apply a layer of composite, shape it and harden it. The process is repeated until the desired appearance is achieved. The dentist finishes the treatment by polishing it. This helps keep stains off the repaired tooth and gives it a nice shine.
It typically takes about an hour to repair a tooth with composite resin. There is no recovery period after composite bonding, so the patient is free to return to their regular routine immediately. Repairs made with composites can last up to 10 years with good oral hygiene.
Composite bonding is typically used to fix a chipped tooth when the damage to the tooth is only cosmetic. Chips that affect a tooth’s structure will need to be covered up with a restoration, like a crown.
Dental bonding can restore the appearance of your chipped tooth and restore your confidence. Call or stop by our Santa Cruz clinic to learn more about how our dentist can fix your tooth with composites, or learn about your other options.
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