Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a repair in which a tooth-coloured resin material is shaped onto a tooth to fix a small chip, close a small gap, cover a stain, or protect an exposed root area. It is a conservative option because it usually needs little removal of natural tooth material, and it is often completed in a single visit. Bonding is different from a crown, which covers a whole tooth, and from a filling placed inside a cavity.
Need urgent dental help?
Call (877) 870-6193 and describe your problem. We will connect you with an independent local dentist.
If you have trouble breathing, swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious injury, seek urgent medical care or call emergency services right away.
What to know about Dental Bonding
A dentist will check the tooth, match the shade of the material to the neighbouring teeth, and prepare the surface so the material can bond. The material is shaped, hardened with a special light, and polished so it feels smooth and meets the opposite teeth comfortably. Bonding can wear or chip over time, so it needs regular checks.
When dental bonding may help
- A small chip or rough edge on a front tooth
- A small gap between teeth that affects appearance
- A stain or discoloured patch that does not respond to cleaning
- An exposed root area that feels sensitive
What to do right away for Dental Bonding
- Avoid biting hard foods on the bonded tooth until it has been checked
- Keep the tooth clean with gentle brushing
- Note whether the bonded area feels rough, high, or loose
- Call for dental help if the bonding breaks or pain develops
How a dentist may help with Dental Bonding
- Examine the tooth and the area to be repaired
- Match the shade and prepare the tooth surface
- Shape and harden the bonding material, then polish it
- Check the bite and the smoothness of the finished surface
When to seek urgent care for Dental Bonding
Seek urgent care if a bonded tooth breaks further, pain is severe, or swelling develops.
This page gives general information about Dental Bonding and is not medical advice. A dentist who examines you can give advice for your situation.
Related emergency dental help
Helpful guides
Dental Bonding is one of the topics on the Emergency Dental Services list. For general enquiries, use Contact Emergency Dentist, or call for urgent help.
Frequently asked questions about Dental Bonding
How is bonding different from a filling?
A filling repairs damage inside a tooth, often from decay. Bonding is shaped onto the surface of a tooth to repair a chip, gap, or stain.
Does bonding last as long as a crown?
Bonding is a more conservative repair and can wear or chip sooner than a crown. A dentist can explain how long it may last for your tooth.
Can I eat normally after bonding?
Avoid very hard foods on that tooth at first, and follow the dentist's guidance on care.