Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure that is often used to restore teeth affected by decay as well as for the repair of chipped or fractured teeth and masking a range of dental imperfections such as stains, discolorations, gaps, misshapen, or undersized teeth. A popular method for restoring and improving the appearance of a person’s smile, dental bonding qualifies as a cosmetic procedure by virtue of the fact that the composite resins used for the procedure are tooth-colored and come in a range of shades that blend seamlessly with natural tooth structure.
A dental bonding procedure, which is performed to fill a cavity or to cosmetically repair a chip, fracture, enamel defect or gap between teeth is known as a “direct composite restoration.” For a direct composite restoration, both artistry and precision are required as the dentist places the selected shade of composite resin and carefully sculpts it to rebuild or improve the appearance of a tooth.
In terms of the cosmetic repair of dental defects, the masking of discolorations or the closure of gaps between teeth, a dental bonding procedure is considered the most economical and quickest method of care out of all the cosmetic solutions available for these types of corrections. Unlike porcelain veneers or ceramic crowns, dental bonding is a minimally invasive, one-visit cosmetic procedure. Moreover, unless a cavity is being cleaned and prepared prior to a dental bonding procedure, no drilling of tooth structure and no anesthesia is required.
How is a dental bonding procedure performed?
When performing a bonding procedure, it is important to enable the composite resin to firmly adhere to the underlying tooth structure. To do this the surface of the tooth is etched and then painted with a liquid bonding agent just prior to the placement of the filling or cosmetic bonding. As the dentist places the composite resin, it is carefully sculpted to achieve the desired shape and then cured with a special light or allowed to set. Once hardened, the newly bonded restoration is polished and buffed for a smooth finish. Some dentists may offer composite veneers as an alternative to porcelain veneers, artistically bonding and blending successive layers of composite resin to transform the appearance of a tooth.
Caring For Bonded Teeth
While a bonding procedure offers an excellent and cost-effective method of care for the treatment of minor cosmetic dental issues, there are a couple of considerations with this approach. Teeth that are restored or cosmetically enhanced with a dental bonding procedure are as a rule more susceptible to staining and chipping than with other types of cosmetic treatments. For this reason, highly pigmented foods and drinks are to be avoided along with tobacco products. As dental bonding can easily chip and break, it is also important not to bite into hard objects or foods and to avoid oral habits such as biting one’s nails or chewing on pens. However, with proper hygiene and care, a bonded restoration can last for many years.
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What is sedation dentistry?Sedation dentistry offers patients with general anxiety or fears about a dental procedure the opportunity to have a more comfortable and stress-free experience. By utilizing safe and controlled sedation techniques, the patient is eased into a state of complete relaxation before the procedure. This approach eliminates discomfort, pain, and preoperative anxiety, and typically makes patients feel more at ease post-operatively, as they have little or no memory of the actual moment-to-moment procedure.
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What is the difference between local anesthesia and dental sedation?Local anesthesia involves an injection directly into or close to the area where a procedure is being performed. While it eliminates any sensation of pain in the targeted area, it does not affect your state of mind or level of anxiety. When a patient receives sedation, additional medications to ease anxiety and promote relaxation are employed in advance of local anesthesia. In this way, both the stress and discomfort associated with a procedure are eliminated. Sedation can be administered in a variety of forms based upon patient needs and the recommendations of the dentist or dental anesthesiologist.
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What are the different types of dental sedation?Choosing the most appropriate method of sedation for a procedure depends on a variety of factors such as a patient's medical history and their level of anxiety. Dental sedation can come in the form of nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Certain patients receiving comprehensive treatment or undergoing a complex surgical procedure may require general anesthesia in a hospital setting. - Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Also known as 'laughing gas,' is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask over the nose. It provides immediate effects and wears off quickly after the procedure. - Oral Conscious Sedation: Involves taking an oral medication before the appointment to induce relaxation. An escort is necessary for transportation to and from the dentist's office. - IV Sedation: Administered intravenously for a deeper state of sedation. Specific instructions and an escort for the trip home are required.