Request an Appointment
(317) 449-8039
Map Pin 8202 Clearvista Parkway, Suite 4C, Indianapolis, IN 46256 Email smile@lockhartdentistry.com
Facebook

dental bondingDental bonding is a common procedure in which composite resin is applied to a tooth in need of a cosmetic repair, such as on teeth with chips, gaps and stains. It is typically a simpler and less expensive dental cosmetic procedure than veneers, fillings and crowns and, in most cases, a completely painless dental restorative technique.

At Lockhart Dentistry in Indianapolis, you can rely on us to provide you with the facts pertaining to dental bonding and help you decide if it is the right solution for your oral health needs. Most people resist dental procedures as they can be painful, but we’ll be able to assess you and your individual smile to help determine if your dental bond will be a pain-free experience, as most are.

Is dental bonding right for me?

Dental bonding may be right for you if you have a tooth with an imperfection that makes you feel uncomfortable with your smile. Maybe you have a tooth or multiple teeth that are discolored from years of sipping coffee. Or perhaps you dislike that you have a tooth that is shorter than others, causing an uneven smile. It may also be time for you to address a decayed tooth. Dental bonding is a quick and simple solution for these and other flaws you may perceive with your teeth.

Unlike other dental restorative techniques, such as amalgam fillings, veneers and crowns, dental bonds are often a less painful dental restorative option, as well as less expensive and simpler to undergo.

Dentists typically recommend dental bonding procedures for these reasons. If the tooth that needs a cosmetic repair is in a low-bite area, such as your front teeth, your dentist may further recommend dental bonds, since your front teeth are least likely to be used for chewing food and are often the easiest to care for when preventing stains.

What is the dental bonding process?

The dental bonding process is simple and typically requires only a few steps. 

Your dentist will start by using a shade guide to find the correct composite resin color that matches your natural tooth color. The tooth in need of the dental bond will then be roughened to make it easier to affix the resin. Next, an adhering agent is applied, followed by the dental bond composite resin itself. Your dentist will then mold and shape the resin as needed to help it match the natural shape of your teeth. An ultraviolet light or laser is used to harden the composite resin. Finally, your dentist will further mold and polish the tooth to ensure it matches the look of your other teeth.

This whole process takes only about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. And unless your dental bonding procedure requires the use of anesthesia, there is no downtime. You can return to work and your regular lifestyle right after your dental bond is placed.

How much pain is involved with dental bonding?

Any pain experienced during the dental bonding procedure depends on the location and the state of the tooth that needs the bond. The process for applying most dental bonds is completely painless since the dentist is usually only working on the surface of the tooth.

You may only experience pain if your bond is used to repair a cavity. Since a cavity is decayed tooth matter, you may feel a sense of discomfort when the composite resin is inserted at the site of the cavity, where the decay may be invading sensitive nerve endings.

Additionally, pain can sometimes be felt if your bond is being applied to an area of the tooth near the gums, where vulnerable nerves and tissue are present. Your dentist may recommend a topical anesthetic or pain killer be taken before the procedure, depending on your level of sensitivity and any decay present near the site of the pending dental bond.

For the most part, patients who have undergone a dental bond find that the level of pain experienced during the procedure is minimal to nonexistent, with their pride in the result outweighing the discomfort felt while the bond is being placed.

dental bondingWhat is the recovery process after I have a dental bonding procedure?

If you opt for an anesthetic prior to your procedure, you will likely need recovery time following the placement of the dental bond. If any pain or discomfort is detected, your dentist may recommend taking a pain killer following the procedure.

You may wish to avoid smoking or sipping on wine or coffee, especially for the first 48 hours after having a dental bond. This is especially true if you had a bond placed to correct tooth stains, as these items can easily stain new composite resin. 

As always, good oral hygiene is the key to keeping your dental bond looking great and recovering to perfection. Ensure you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to continue to enjoy your pristine dental bond.

Can Lockhart Dentistry ensure a comfortable dental bonding experience?

Yes, Lockhart Dentistry can absolutely make your dental bonding experience comfortable. We take individual needs into concern and do everything we can to make sure your dental bonding procedure is quick and as pain-free as possible.

If you’re interested in discussing having a dental bond procedure, please contact our office at 317-849-9715 today and we’ll be happy to assist you.

You can also use our simple online appointment portal to request an appointment and consult Dr. Lockhart and his team in person.

 

We'll give you a reason to smile!

 
 
Request an Appointment Today
 

Our Office

  • 8202 Clearvista Parkway, Suite 4C, Indianapolis, IN 46256
    Get Directions
 
Lockhart logo

Testimonials

  • Gerald B.
    “Approximately 4:45 p.m., a crown came completely out. I immediately called Dr. Lockhart’s office to see if he was available. He was so 15 minutes later; I walked into his office. I was seen immediately; the tooth was prepped and recemented. Less than a half-hour after the tooth came out, it was back in, and I was on my way to the Pacer game. Great job!”
    Gerald B.
  • Steve E.
    “I’ve had several teeth extracted, and can say unequivocally this was the easiest one to date. The tooth was out before I knew it, no muss, no fuss.”
    Steve E.
  • Jessica C.
    “I am never disappointed with Dr. Lockhart’s service. I have been seeing him for my dental care for a few years now and it seems that my dental health has only improved since I began seeing him. I value how straight forward and honest he is with his patients. I would recommend him to everyone!”
    Jessica C.
  • Linda A.
    “Everyone is professional and so friendly. They take the time to explain the procedures, and make you feel very comfortable in a very relaxed atmosphere. If you don’t like going to a dentist for whatever reason, I suggest you try Dr. Lockhart!”
    Linda A.
  • Karen P.
    “At the doctor’s recommendation, an old silver filling was replaced with enamel. This accomplished two things. It provided an opportunity to assess the health of the tooth-as it is a deep and old filling. And secondly it improved the visual of the mouth by having a filling material which blends with the tooth color. Though no further care is needed at this time, it is valuable to know what may be necessary going forward which eliminates the dreaded element of surprise in dental care. Dr. Lockhart and his staff create a comfortable, caring environment which puts the patient at ease while undergoing what might otherwise be an anxiety filled procedure. All aspects of the office visit were professional, efficient and most important of all – painless.”
    Karen P.
  • Joseph O.
    “Great environment, courteous friendly and professional staff. I look forward to my dental visits because Danelle is welcoming and focused on my dental health and Dr Lockhart is always attentive and clear in his care and explanations.”
    Joseph O.
  • Heather B.
    “Above and beyond! Our son broke off a tooth on A Tuesday evening. Dr. Lockhart and his staff are not scheduled to be in the office on Wednesdays. We nevertheless called the emergency number he provided first thing Wednesday morning. Dr. Lockhart promptly returned our call and we made arrangements to meet at the office. Dr. Lockhart was very thorough with his examination. He and McKenzie took great care of our son and got him fixed up. Always the highest level of care and customer service. THANK YOU!”
    Heather B.
  • Anne M.
    “I highly recommend Lockhart Dentistry to all my friends. After 30 years I finally made the decision to get crowns and braces. In less then 6 months, my treatment is over and I can smile with confidence. Thank you Dr. Lockhart, and your wonderful staff. I truly wonder why I waited so long!”
    Anne M.
  • Kyle C.
    “Always a great and efficient visit. Extremely caring and have seen amazing progress for not being in a long time!”
    Kyle C.
  • Lawrence M.
    “Great dentistry ! Top notch all around.“
    Lawrence M.
  • Gregg J.
    “Experience and Tech Savvy. Dr Lockhart has more experience and is more technologically savvy than any dentist I’ve been to in my 54 years.”
    Gregg J.
  • Cassie R.
    “Happy to have found a dentist in my neighborhood for my entire family!”
    Cassie R.
  • Don G.
    “Nice place to visit but don’t want to live there. I generally do not like surveys or questionnaires and am only answering this one because I like you.”
    Don G.
  • Linda M.
    “When I think of Lockhart Dentistry, the terms “kindness, promptness, professionalism, and effectiveness” come to mind.”
    Linda M.
  • Thomas H.
    “Lockhart Dentistry is a step above all others. Great enthusiastic staff that genuinely enjoy their jobs. Ingrid goes out of her way to make sure each visit is enjoyable and she is very thorough in explaining what she is doing throughout my examination. Every appointment I have had has been on schedule, very little time spent waiting in lobby, which is very important to me from a work and family perspective. I like the fact that they have email and text reminders too!!!”
    Thomas H.
  • Clarence H.
    “Best Long Term Dental Care. My wife and I have been patients of Dr. Lockhart for over 20 years. From routine bi-annual cleanings and checkups to implants, crowns and partial bridges that I’ve had through the years; Dr. Lockhart and his team have always provided the very best of care.”
    Clarence H.
  • Dee B.
    "Highly recommend! I’ve been. With Dr Lockhart 25+ years….since he was at 71st and Shadeland. I had some serious issues that Dr Lockhart and his staff have helped me overcome. I can’t say enough great things about them (I even got my husband to join me there). Thank you so much to Lockhart Dentistry."
    Dee B.
  • Joan M.
    Routine 6 month cleaning and check. Have been a patient of Lockhart Dentistry since Doc came to Indianapolis. The entire staff is friendly and caring and works hard to make sure you are comfortable no matter what service is being provided.
    Joan M.
  • Nicole B.
    "Great place, people are friendly and very nice. Dr. Lockhart always has an alternative or solution to my issues. I love Danielle! I always ask for her to do my cleaning. My teeth always feel extra clean."
    Nicole B.
  • Laurie P.
    Wonderful experience! Very thorough and friendly!
    Laurie P.
  • Deborah W.
    "Dr. Bruce and his staff are amazing, kind, very caring. They take care of you like one of their own!"
    Deborah W.