Does dental bonding hurt? In a nutshell, not usually. That’s because most teeth in your mouth have low sensitivity. So, when dentists apply resin, it doesn’t activate any nerve endings in your teeth. Therefore, no pain signals reach your brain.
Furthermore, dental bonding is non-invasive. Specifically, it doesn’t involve penetration or removal of any tissue in your mouth.
However, whether it hurts primarily relates to the type of damage to your teeth and the structure of the affected tooth’s nerve endings running. In some cases, patients can feel a slight sensation when the dentist first applies the bonding agent. But again, most wouldn’t describe this as painful.
About Dental Bonding
Patients typically require dental bonding following damage to their teeth. The bonding agent is a type of tooth-colored resin that allows dentists to recreate the original shape of the tooth if you lose the chip fragment. It starts off soft but then hardens when exposed to certain types of light, providing a biting surface similar to regular enamel.
Some people choose to get dental bonding instead of veneers. However, it really depends on the nature of the tooth damage and the aesthetics you would like.
Generally, veneers have a slightly superior appearance to dental bonding. But they also require removing existing tooth enamel, which some patients might not want.
Dental Bonding And Pain
As discussed, the dental bonding procedure doesn’t usually hurt. The procedure is entirely non-invasive and dentists can usually carry it out without the need for a local anesthetic.
However, in some cases, dentists will need to use other procedures to correct damage to surrounding teeth. Specifically, if that becomes necessary, then you may require a local anesthetic. For instance, sometimes neighboring teeth are so badly damaged that your dentist must remove them and replace them with a permanent prosthetic, usually an implant.
Patients typically prefer dental bonding for minor chips compared to other interventions. This is because it’s one of the lowest-cost interventions currently available – much less than crowns, veneers, or implants. Furthermore, it can be done in a single office visit. Additionally, you don’t have to return multiple times for checkups.
However, the procedure has some disadvantages you should know about. Dental bonding isn’t as tough as crowns or veneers, meaning that it can quite easily break while you chew. Unfortunately, it is also more prone to stains.
Usually, tooth bonding will last between four to eight years, depending on its location, your bite, and eating habits. But you’ll need to look after it properly. Brushing your teeth twice daily is essential, as is avoiding particularly hard foods, like rock candy, that could cause it to break.
The Bottom Line
So, does dental bonding hurt? In conclusion, dental bonding doesn’t usually hurt. However, you may receive ancillary treatments, such as fillings, root canals, or tooth extractions if there are substantial injuries to other parts of your mouth. In these cases, you’ll need a local anesthetic to numb any pain.