Bonding and fillings are a cosmetic procedure used by our Prescott Valley dentists to help repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, fractures, or cracks. During the procedure, Dr. Larson will remove the damaged parts of the tooth and replace it with a composite bonding and filling. This cosmetic procedure is easy and minimally invasive meaning that patients can leave the dental office with newly restored teeth.
Additionally, the bonding and filling treatment is extremely durable and made to match the rest of your teeth. Their tooth-colored nature gives them a natural appearance that blends seamlessly with the rest of your smile. However, it’s important to note that much like other restorative treatments, they’re not permanent and might need to get replaced in a few years time.
Why Choose Bonding and Filling?
The bonding and filling restorative procedure is a great option for individuals seeking to repair their damaged smiles. Not only is it minimally invasive and durable, it’s also affordable and can restore the look of a smile in one single appointment.
Bonding and fillings are great for:
- Worn teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Closing space between teeth
Placing Composite Bonding and Fillings
This cosmetic procedure consists of a few simple steps. First, Dr. Larson will numb the damaged tooth with a local anesthetic and proceed in removing all existing and visible decay. Once our Prescott Valley dentists remove the decay and determine that the tooth is clean, they’ll place resin in the tooth and remove any excess material. As a finishing touch, the tooth will be polished to complete the look.
Once the treatment has been completed, our Prescott Valley dentists will give you specific instructions on follow up care.
Let Us Restore Your Smile
Untreated chipped, cracked, or broken teeth can be physically and emotionally painful. At Larson Dental, we offer a variety of procedures to restore your oral health so you can look and feel like your natural self. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larson by calling (928) 772-8128 and see how we can improve your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect after a filling?
After you receive a filling, there aren’t any aftercare recommendations or precautions you need to follow. A filling is a routine procedure and it doesn’t require any special care. You can eat after the treatment once the numbing wears off.
You may experience sensitivity to hot or cold beverages and chewing in the filled tooth. However, any sensitivity will be mild and should dissipate within 48 hours after the procedure.
How can I prevent tooth decay?
There are various preventative measures you can take to prevent tooth decay. These include:
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- Following a regular oral hygiene routine of brushing twice per day, flossing daily, and rinsing between meals
- Scheduling biannual visits to your dentist’s office for professional cleanings and checkups
- Asking your dentist if you would be a good candidate for dental sealants (most common in children)
- Use oral care products that contain fluoride or consider a fluoride treatment available at your dentist’s office
- Avoid sugary foods
- Eat tooth-healthy foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C
While all of these recommendations are individually helpful, they’re most effective when used in conjunction.
How do you care for your teeth after dental bonding?
For the first few days following a dental bonding procedure, you’ll want to avoid anything that can stain your teeth such as coffee, tea, and tobacco products. If the bonding is performed on one of your front teeth, you should avoid biting into harder foods or objects that can damage the composite material and lead to chips, cracks, or break the tooth.
To improve the longevity of your bonding treatment, schedule biannual appointments at our Prescott Valley office where we can perform a professional cleaning and checkup to ensure your oral health is on track and the bonding composite is in good shape. You’ll also want to follow a regular oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth free of bacteria.
What is the difference between dental bonding and dental veneers?
While both dental bonding and porcelain veneers are cosmetic procedures that change the appearance of your smile, their treatment processes, abilities, and limitations all differ.
Dental bonding can be used to fix chipped, cracked, and broken teeth by adding a composite material to the natural tooth. The procedure is more affordable than veneers and can be completed in one session. Best of all, dental bonding can last ten years or more.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover the front of your natural teeth to change their color, shape, or spacing. They can cover teeth that are chipped, broken, or worn down. Veneers typically require three appointments and can last 20 years with proper care.