How is Dental Bonding Performed?
Your dental bonding will be performed in a dental office or clinic. Dental bonding takes 30 minutes to an hour for one to two teeth and generally includes these steps:
- You will sit in a reclining position in the dentist’s chair. You may wear a clear shield over your eyes. The shield protects your eyes from spraying liquids and dental instruments.
- Dental bonding does not involve anesthetic unless it is used to fill a cavity.
- In this case, your dentist will inject a local anesthetic into the gums near your tooth. The anesthetic numbs the pain when your dentist drills out the decayed material. Your dentist may also apply a painless topical anesthetic to numb the gums partially before the injection.
- Your dentist will brush the surface of your tooth with a liquid or gel etching solution. This liquid helps the bonding material stick to the tooth.
- Your dentist will apply the bonding material to your tooth in several layers.
- Your dentist will hold a small blue light over your tooth to harden and set the bonding material.
- Your dentist will shape, polish and smooth the bonded tooth. This prevents the bonding material from scraping your mouth or tongue and ensures a natural bite.
Will I feel pain?
Your comfort and relaxation are important to you and your dental care team. You may have brief sharp pinches if your dentist injects your gums with a local anesthetic. Ask your dentist if your gums can be partially numbed with a painless topical anesthetic before the injections.
You may also feel pressure as your dentist prepares your tooth to receive the bonding material. Take a few long, deep breaths to help yourself relax. Tell your dentist if any discomfort does not pass quickly.
What are the risks and potential complications of dental bonding?
Complications of dental bonding are uncommon but any dental procedure involves risks and the possibility of complications. Complications may become serious in some cases. Complications can develop during the procedure or your recovery.
Risks and potential complications of dental bonding include:
- Anesthetic complications, such as allergic reactions and nerve or blood vessel injury
- Loosening or loss of bonding material
- Tooth damage due to mechanical forces
- Tooth infection
- Tooth staining
- Mouth injury
Reducing your risk of complications
You can reduce the risk of certain complications by:
- Following dietary and lifestyle restrictions and recommendations. This generally includes not eating, drinking, or using substances that can stain teeth during the first two days after dental bonding. Common substances to avoid are coffee, tea, tobacco, blueberries, and grape juice. You should also not use your teeth for anything other than eating to avoid chips. This includes chewing on ice and objects, such as pens.
- Informing your dentist if you are nursing or if there is any possibility of pregnancy
- Notifying your dentist immediately of any concerns after the procedure, such as pain, fever, and difficulty chewing
- Taking your medications exactly as directed
- Telling all members of your care team if you have any allergies
How do I prepare for my dental bonding procedure?
- You are an important member of your own dental care team. The steps you take before your procedure can improve your comfort and outcome. There is no special preparation needed for dental bonding, but it is important to do the following before any procedure:
- Answer all questions about your medical history and medications. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbal treatments, and vitamins. It is a good idea to carry a current list of your medical conditions, medications, and allergies at all times.
- Take your medications exactly as directed.
- Tell your dentist if there is any possibility of pregnancy.
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