Can You Put Dental Bonding on A Cracked Tooth?
Your natural teeth are strong to chew, bite, and speak without slipping. Sometimes your tooth can crack or break. It can result from dental injuries, tooth decay, bruxism, or chewing ice. When your tooth has cracked or chipped, it’s essential to repair it ASAP.
If not treated on time, the cracks can give way for the harmful bacteria to enter the tooth, infecting its nerves and blood vessels. Eventually, this can lead to loose teeth, tooth loss, gum infection, and jawbone damage. When you visit dental clinic near you, they will likely recommend dental bonding if the damage is minor. Let’s see how dental bonding is effective in repairing teeth cracks.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a procedure used to repair minor teeth damage such as chips and cracks. Dental bonding uses composite resin materials directly applied to the damaged tooth and shaped. The resin materials are tooth-colored to ensure natural results. It allows you to repair your teeth without compromising the appearance of your smile. With proper tooth care, dental bonding can last for ten years.
Teeth Bonding Procedure
Generally, the dental bonding procedure is quick and straightforward. In most cases, you might not even require anesthesia.
Your dentist begins by choosing a composite resin color that matches your natural teeth. They use a chart to ensure the resin shade is correct. Next, the dentist prepares the tooth for bonding. It involves applying an acidic solution to roughen the tooth surface for bonding.
Next, a bonding agent is applied. The dentist then applies the composite resin material to the areas that require repair and molds it accordingly. A UV light quickens the bonding process. If necessary, the dentist can reshape the tooth further to give the tooth a natural appearance.
Unlike alternative treatments such as dental veneers and dental crowns, dental bonding a tooth doesn’t require multiple dental visits. The entire process takes about 30 minutes, and you get home with a fully restored smile.
What are the Benefits of Repairing Cracked Teeth with Dental Bonding?
There are many benefits to using composite bonding to repair teeth cracks. These include:
- Minimally invasive
Unlike most dental procedures, dental bonding is less invasive since it doesn’t require surgery, drilling, or tooth shaping (in some cases, it does). The dentist only needs to roughen the tooth’s surface and apply the bonding material. Once the bonding process finishes, you’ll be ready to go home.
- Good aesthetics
To repair teeth cracks without compromising your appearance, your dentist chooses a composite resin material that closely matches the shade of your natural teeth. Dental bonding is a perfect alternative for silver amalgam fillings.
- Cost-effective
If you have minor teeth cracks, you don’t need expensive and lengthy dental procedures such as dental crowns. Dental bonding can quickly repair your cracked tooth without causing a big dent in your finances.
- Long-lasting
Depending on the location of the repaired tooth and your general oral hygiene, dental bonding can last for as long as ten years. Since the bonded tooth is susceptible to damage and discoloration, brush and floss daily and avoid damaging habits such as chewing ice, smoking, and consuming highly pigmented items.
Alternatives to Dental Bonding
If dental bonding isn’t an option for you, your dentist can suggest alternative treatments such as dental crowns, root canals, dental filling, and tooth extraction. Tooth extraction is for if extensive damage has reached the gum line. If your tooth needs extracting, you can use dental implants, bridges, or dentures to replace it.
How to Care for Bonded Teeth
Caring for your bonded tooth is essential to extend its lifespan. Use these tips:
- Brush at least twice daily.
- Floss daily.
- Avoid damaging habits like chewing hard items such as ice, candy, and nails.
- Limit the consumption of tea, coffee, and tobacco for the next 48 hours after the procedure to avoid staining.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
- Eat healthier and hydrate well.
- Notify your dentist if the bonded tooth gets damaged or if you experience side effects such as pain.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you interested in dental bonding in York, ME? Contact York Dental Group for more information.