Dental Bonding in Oakland, CA
Dental bonding at Franklin Dental Care is used to repair chipped, fractured, discolored or decayed teeth. The bonding material is tooth-colored composite resin. Different from other restorations that are made in a lab, bonding is performed in one visit. Because the substance bonds to the tooth surface, the treatment is called dental bonding.
Dental Bonding in Oakland, CA
Tooth bonding is one of the most affordable and simplest cosmetic dental procedures around. Your Oakland dentist can shape and polish the tooth-colored material to match nearby teeth. This type of restoration is most often used to enhance the appearance of discolored or damaged teeth. However, bonding can also be used to add length, close gaps or to alter the color or shape of a tooth.
Your dentist in Oakland, CA may also use bonding as an alternative to traditional metal fillings. It can also add protection to exposed tooth roots.
There is no need for tooth preparation to place dental bonding. Furthermore, anesthesia is usually not needed, unless the restoration is being used to repair a decayed tooth.
Dental Bonding Procedure
We will choose the shade of resin that best matches your tooth. Then the tooth surface will be etched, or roughened and coated with a conditioning liquid. This process will help the composite material adhere better to the tooth.
Then, the putty-like, tooth-colored resin is applied to the affected tooth. This material is then molded to the appropriate shape. Then it is hardened with a laser or a UV light.
Once the bonding is sufficiently hardened, it will be shaped and trimmed further. The last step is to polish the surface to a natural looking sheen.
The entire process takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. If more than one tooth is being bonded, multiple visits may be needed.
Keep in mind, the resin material is not stain-resistant. Therefore, it is important to avoid eating and drinking heavily pigmented foods such as coffee, tea, and tobacco products. You should avoid staining food items and smoking for at least 48 hours following the bonding procedure. Also, practice good oral hygiene habit and get regular cleanings and exams.