Tag: tooth decay

Composite Bonding For Teeth – Everything You Need To Know

Composite bonding is one of the routinely performed dental procedures worldwide. Whether you are unhappy with the colour of your teeth, or you wish to get rid of your chipped or crooked teeth, cosmetic bonding is the solution to virtually all restorative and cosmetic dental problems. 

If the appearance, shape, or colour of your teeth makes you unhappy, this article is for you as we explain everything you need to know about composite restorations. So, continue reading to find out how composite bonding can help you achieve an attractive and confident smile. 

What Is Composite Teeth Bonding?

According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, bonding is a cosmetic procedure in which your dentist will place a tooth-coloured, resin-based filling material on your teeth to fix various restorative and cosmetic dental issues. Some of the dental problems that can be fixed with bonded restorations include:

  1. Permanently discoloured teeth 
  2. Chipped or cracked teeth 
  3. Congenitally de-shaped teeth 
  4. Restoration of teeth after removal of tooth decay 
  5. To cosmetically fix mild to moderate cases of dental overcrowding 
  6. To cosmetically restore mild case of teeth gaps 

Can Bonded Teeth Be Whitened?

A common question that dental patients ask is whether bonded restorations can be whitened like natural teeth. Unfortunately, it is not possible to whiten bonded restorations using bleaching agents. In cases where bonded restorations get stained or discoloured, the only option is to either repair them with a fresh layer of composite resins, or to replace them altogether. 

Can I Get Dental Bonding Instead Of Braces?

There are certain cases where dental bonding may be used as a “cosmetic alternative” to orthodontic treatment. For example, if someone has mild tooth crowding, misalignment, or teeth gaps and they don’t want to get braces for treatment, their dentist may use bonded restorations to treat the cosmetic issue caused by these conditions. However, it must be noted that bonded fillings will only improve the aesthetics and will not address the underlying issue. Therefore, the ideal treatment option for orthodontic problems is braces or Invisalign aligners, which completely eliminate the underlying problem. 

Should I Get Dental Veneers Or Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding and veneers are excellent options for fixing various restorative and cosmetic tooth defects. Likewise, both have their own merits and demerits. Dental bonding is a single visit procedure that does not require extensive removal of the healthy tooth structure. On the other hand, porcelain veneers require at least 2-3 visits and require tooth preparation for their bonding to the teeth. Furthermore, dental veneers are more expensive than composite bonding. At the same time, if we compare the longevity of both, veneers are stronger and longer-lasting. So, if you are looking for a cost-effective and quick restorative option, bonding should be your choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a long-term and aesthetically pleasing solution, you should consider veneers. 

Can Dental Bonding Be Added To The Back Of Front Teeth?

Yes, dental bonding can be applied on any tooth surface. The reason is that dental bonding, as its name suggests, bonds directly to the tooth structure. So, no matter what tooth surface is damaged, it can be restored with composite fillings. On the other hand, dental veneers are only applied to the front surfaces of the teeth. 

How Long Do Composite Fillings Take To Set?

Composite restorations are based on polymeric resins. After applying a composite material layer to the tooth, your dentist will use a special light to polymerise the material and harden it. In this way, dentists apply increments of composite resins and harden them to obtain the desired tooth shape and aesthetics. So, the composite resin filling set. However, although the setting reaction of composite restorations starts immediately, it may take up to 24 hours for them to harden completely. 

Can Dental Composite Bonding Cover Severe Fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis is when the teeth appear permanently discoloured due to excessive exposure to fluoride during childhood. In this condition, faint white or yellow lines appear on the teeth, and the dental enamel is considerably weaker and less resistant to tooth decay. 

The discolouration in such teeth cannot be removed through professional teeth whitening. Therefore, the only option to restore their aesthetics is to apply tooth-coloured composite restorations, porcelain veneers, or crowns over them. In fact, dental bonding is one of the commonly used restorative and cosmetic procedures for the aesthetic treatment of tooth discolouration caused by dental fluorosis. 

Is Tooth Bonding Safe And Permanent?

Composite restorations are based on polymeric resins, which are harmless and do not cause any adverse effects in the oral cavity. This is also why dentists recommend getting composite restorations instead of silver amalgam fillings that are known to cause adverse health effects due to mercury. 

If we talk about the longevity of composite resins, they are quite durable, but like all dental restorations, they are not everlasting. However, with proper care and oral hygiene maintenance, you can expect your bonded restorations to last for 5-10 years, even longer with adequate care.  

Another factor that determines the lifespan of bonded fillings is the skill of the dentist and the quality of the material used. At Harrow Dental Practice, we take pride in having the most qualified and experienced dentists in town and state-of-the-art dental equipment. We also use high-quality materials that are long-lasting and have no adverse effects. So, what are you waiting for? Book a free virtual consultation with us today, and let us give you a beautiful and confident smile that you genuinely deserve. 

Root Canal Treatments – Your Comprehensive Guide

For many people, the word “root canal treatment” is synonymous with pain and discomfort. But, this is actually not true. Every day, dentists perform thousands of root canal procedures globally and save millions of teeth from extraction each year. If your dentist has recommended a root canal procedure for one of your teeth, you might be wondering what this procedure actually is, whether it is safe, when it is needed. Continue reading to find everything you need to know about root canal treatment. 

What Is A Root Canal? 

 A root canal refers to space within the tooth roots that are filled with the dental pulp – the nervous tissue of the teeth which contains the nerves and blood vessels that nourish and innervates a tooth. Under healthy conditions, the sensitive dental pulp remains protected from the outside by outlying dentine and pulp layers, respectively. The problem begins when tooth decay, wear, or trauma destroys the outer tooth layers and exposes the underlying pulp. If this condition is not corrected timely, the pulp tissue may get irreversibly inflamed, leading to a painful condition. 

When this happens, the only option available to your dentist to save this tooth from extraction is to perform a root canal procedure. According to the American Association of Endodontists, a root canal procedure involves removing the inflamed pulp tissue followed by thorough cleansing of the root canals and then filling it with an inert material to prevent future infections.  

How Is A Root Canal Done On A Front Tooth? 

Whether it is the front or a back tooth, the steps involved in performing root canal treatment remain essentially the same. However, a fundamental difference between the front and back teeth is that the front teeth have only one root that is considerably longer. In the case of a front tooth, your dentist will first drill a hole in the tooth to expose the pulp chamber. Afterwards, they will use specialised endodontic equipment to remove the inflamed pulp tissue, followed by thoroughly washing the tooth’s interior with an antiseptic solution and then drying it. 

Dentists endodontic files to shape the tooth’s interior in a tapering fashion and then fill it with an inert material. They will then place a temporary filling on the tooth while the healing takes place inside the tooth. After a few weeks when the tooth’s interior has healed, your dentist will replace the temporary filling with a permanent one. 

Does A Root Canal Kill A Tooth? 

A root canal procedure involves removing the inflamed pulp tissue from the tooth’s interior. Since the dental pulp is responsible for innervating and nourishing the tooth. So, the tooth loses its nourishment and nerve supply following root canal treatment. This is also why teeth become brittle and weak after endodontic treatment. 

What Are The Steps Involved In A Root Canal Treatment? 

A root canal is an endodontic (endo=inside, odont=teeth) procedure that is completed in multiple steps. During your initial appointment, your dentist will perform a clinical examination of the affected tooth. They will also look at the x-ray images of the tooth to see the extent of the damage. Your dentist will drill a hole in the tooth to expose the underlying infected pulp, to relieve the pressure and pain. 

During the next appointment, your dentist will use specialised endodontic equipment to remove the infected pulp from the tooth’s interior. Afterwards, they will use antiseptic solutions or saline water to wash and clean the root canal. After the root canal has been dried, they will insert an inert rubbery material called gutta-percha to fill the tooth’s interior. This is done to prevent future chances of infection. After this, your dentist will place a temporary filling over the tooth until healing ensues. Once the tooth has healed, your dentist will replace the temporary filling with a permanent one. If required, they will also attach a crown over the restored tooth to reinforce it. 

Should I Have A Root Canal Or Extraction? 

A root canal is your dentist’s attempt to save a damaged tooth from extraction. Since no tooth-replacement option is better than your natural teeth, a root canal procedure should always be preferred over tooth extraction.  

How Long Does Root Canal Take? 

Dentists typically perform a root canal procedure in multiple sittings. The time required to complete the procedure depends on various factors,  such as the location of the tooth and the extent of infection. Generally, it requires two to three sittings for completion. However, in some cases, dentists choose to perform a root canal procedure in a single sitting. 

How Safe Is A Root Canal?

Like all other dental procedures, a root canal treatment procedure is absolutely safe, provided it is performed by a qualified and experienced dentist or endodontist. So, you can rest assured that a root canal procedure will have no effect on your oral health or physical wellbeing. 

What Is The Cause Of Biting Pain After Root Canal?

Biting pain following a root canal can occur due to two reasons. Firstly, a “high” filling which puts pressure on the tooth whenever the opposing teeth mate. Another reason for post-root canal biting pain may be accidental damage to the tooth’s tissues, called the periodontal ligament. This type of pain typically goes away as soon as the damaged tissue heals up. 

Whether you need a root canal treatment, dental fillings, or Invisalign aligners, Harrow Dental Service is at your service. So book a consultation appointment today and let us experienced and qualified dentists to take care of all your dental problems in a calm, relaxing and pain-free environment.