Can Tooth Bonding Repair Small Cavities?
Yes, composite resin can be used to great effect in a lot of cases, such as pits or crevices in the tooth or on the sides of the front tooth area. Your dentist will match up the shade of the composite material to your tooth’s shade, making it virtually indistinguishable from the real thing when you smile.
The primary difference is that cosmetic bonding is designed to improve the overall aesthetics of the tooth, whereas repair of a cavity requires removal of decay and repair of the affected area; two procedures that, while utilizing similar material, have different focuses.
What is the process of tooth bonding?
It’s actually a very straight forward procedure for minor cavities. Your dentist will evaluate the affected area and possibly take an x-ray to gauge the extent of the damage and determine if there are any hidden cavities that aren’t readily apparent.
Application of Composite Resin
The actual application of the composite resin is done in layers, with each layer being cured with a special light to help it set and harder. Your dentist will shape the material into the desired shape to fill up the cavity and make sure that the bite is comfortable; this involves some minor trimming and shaping to get the occlusion right. With this procedure, you shouldn’t be able to feel anything untoward or that doesn’t feel natural when you bite down with the repaired tooth.
Can tooth bonding be used to repair minor cavities?
I think that it’s a good idea to go with minimal intervention when repairing minor cavities and avoid removing any more healthy tooth material than is absolutely necessary. I would personally go with a conservative composite resin repair rather than a more invasive procedure to remove decay and replace it with another material when there isn’t a lot of decay to begin with.
Composite resin is also good in that it can be matched to the shade of your existing teeth, which is important if you’re repairing a front tooth that’s going to be very noticeable when you smile; metal-colored fillings are going to look very obvious and cheap.
Aftercare instructions for tooth bonding
Your dentist will let you know when you can resume normal eating after the procedure, and if you’ve had a local anesthetic, you should wait before eating anything until the numbing agent has worn off to avoid biting your cheek with the newly bonded tooth. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is important, as well as cleaning between the teeth with floss, since plaque buildup in these areas can contribute to new cavities forming.
Some things to keep in mind
Avoiding chewing on hard items like ice cubes or candy will prolong the life of the bonding material, as cracks or chips tend to start from these types of trauma.
Sensitivity to cold temperatures is common but should subside after a few weeks. Any uncomfortable or persistent sensitivity should be brought up to your dentist, who can determine if there’s an underlying issue.
Same goes for regular six-month cleanings and checkups; your dentist can keep an eye out on the repaired area for any signs of plaque buildup that could lead to further cavities.
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.
