Is Dental Bonding Right for You?

Damaged, chipped, or cracked teeth take away from the appearance of a smile and can make anyone feel insecure. If you have any of these dental issues, dental bonding may be the cosmetic dentistry procedure for you.

What is dental bonding?

This procedure is when a composite resin (color-matched to the natural teeth) is applied directly to a tooth, then shaped to the desired appearance. The resin material used is biocompatible; in fact, it’s the same material that is used for dental fillings. It’s most appropriate for cases where only one or a few teeth need adjustments.

Most Common Issues

Dental bonding is most commonly used to fix issues having to do with the appearance of the teeth. Chips and cracks can be patched up; the size and shape of the tooth can be altered; it can even help fill in small gaps in between teeth. Bonding can also be used to adjust the color of the tooth and to cover exposed tooth roots caused by decay or gum disease.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Like with any other dental treatment, dental bonding is not a perfect solution. It cannot cover large areas, so if you need a full-smile cosmetic restoration, it probably isn’t the best option. However, it is usually more affordable compared to other methods of dental restoration, and faster because it is applied directly to the teeth. It usually does not require any anesthesia as it is a non-invasive procedure, and it does not require any trimming to the teeth. This means that the tooth maintains its structural integrity.

If dental bonding sounds like the right procedure for you, schedule an appointment with your dentist for a consultation.

What Should I Expect After Getting a Filling?

If you’ve ever gotten a cavity, which you most likely have, that means you’ve also gotten a dental filling. These are super important to prevent any more tooth decay from growing or spreading. So because of the importance dental fillings have in our mouth, there are also certain precautions you should take in order to best take care of your new filling.

What Happens After the Filling?

You should never experience pain after a filling, you may still feel numb from the procedure, but that will wear off soon enough. In the worst possible case scenario, you may feel a bit of sensitivity for a few days or so following the procedure. If you’re concerned that your sensitivity is more intense or long-lasting than you would hope, don’t hesitate to call your dentist immediately.

Am I Limited to Specific Foods and Drinks?

You should wait a few hours before eating and drinking. This is mostly, so the anesthesia doesn’t affect the way you eat too much. The numbness in your mouth can lead to a messy meal! Consume soft foods if possible and avoid cold or hot foods as they can irritate the space around the filling.

What to Do About Pain and Discomfort

There can be an imbalance in your bite when just receiving a filling. Be sure to let your dentist know while you’re still in the operating chair if you feel your bite different from when you came into the dentist. Again, with pain, don’t hesitate to call your dentist and let them know to see if it is a problem that should be handled by them.

What About Children?

As a parent, be sure to observe your children and how they are treating the mound part of their mouth. Make sure he or she do not chew on their cheek while they can’t feel it.

If you or a member of your family needs a dental filling themselves, we at Ramona Dentistry of Chino, CA would be more than happy to assist you. Our experience over the years has allowed us to turn common everyday dental procedures into great experiences. Give us a chance to show you how much we care for our patients and how our gentle care and touch translates into our work. Give our office a call today to schedule an appointment!

Ask Your General Dentist About Laser Dentistry

Lasers tend to sounds like something straight out of a movie, but thanks to modern technology, cosmetic and general dentists can now use them for a variety of dental treatments. These lasers offer precision, efficiency, and comfort to treatments that didn’t offer these benefits before. The least amount of trauma is achieved with these lasers, also allowing high precision and quick healing times in between. This type of treatment is just in it’s emerging stages, and as dentists begin to learn how to use them and introduce them to their office, it is best to keep up with the times and make sure you know the best possible treatment for you.

How are Dental Lasers Used?

Dental lasers are not just used for one kind of treatment, but can offer a wide array of general and restorative dental procedures. Lasers are most usually used to perform the following procedures or treatments:

  • Cavity detection
  • TMJ treatment
  • Tooth sensitivity treatment
  • Gum tissue reshaping
  • Root canal cleansing
  • Tooth restoration curing
  • Periodontal treatment

Of course, when discussing dental lasers with your dentist, be sure to ask for any other options that may include laser treatment.

What are the Benefits of Laser Dentistry?

Dental laser benefits all depend on the procedure in question and the professionalism and expertise of the dentist performing the procedure. In short, some of the benefits associated with dental lasers include:

  • Reduction of blood loss
  • Greater precision
  • Minimization of postoperative pain
  • Control of swelling
  • Less anesthesia need
  • Reduction in trauma

Talk to your dentist today to find out if dental laser treatment is the right choice for you. If you’re in the Chino, CA, area or it’s surrounding communities, don’t hesitate to give us here at Ramona Dentistry a call to schedule your first appointment!

Click to listen highlighted text!