Tuesday I ate lunch at my desk and bit into a crusty sourdough roll. I heard a crunch along my lower teeth. I reached down with my tongue. Saw a flake of composite resin had come off my lower front tooth.
I panicked for a minute thinking the lower tooth had split in half. I walked into the bathroom pulled out my phone and used the flashlight to look closely in the mirror. It looked scary up close. When I examined the fracture line I saw that the old bonding filling from four years ago had simply popped off. The lower tooth underneath looked completely untouched.
I had my front teeth bonded four years ago to level worn biting tips. Bonding for teeth usually lasts between three and six years, which is a bit shorter than bonding for upper teeth. Lower teeth are naturally small and narrow. Their tips hit the back of my upper teeth each time I swallow or bite which puts continuous pressure on the resin.
I called my clinic and went in on Wednesday afternoon expecting a painful expensive procedure but it was an absolute non-event:
* No shots, no needles. He did not pick up a syringe because the repair was on the outer enamel of the lower teeth.
* He used a sanding disc to smooth the rough jagged edges of the lower tooth so fresh resin could stick.
* He put a drop of blue acid gel on the tooth for about fifteen seconds rinsed it applied bonding glue and layered new composite on the lower tooth.
* He cured the tooth with the blue wand checked my bite twice with carbon paper and polished the lower tooth.
The whole appointment lasted fifteen minutes and cost about a normal copay. I walked out of the clinic with a smooth lower tooth and ate dinner normally that same evening without any discomfort.
Visit our page on composite bonding London to explore treatment options, costs, and expert advice.
The insights shared in our articles are meant to educate and inform, not to replace a face-to-face consultation. Every smile is unique, and a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified clinical professional. Please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist for advice tailored to your specific oral health needs.
