Is It Possible to Have Bonding on Front Tooth Without Roughening It with Drilling Machine?

Sometimes patients ask dentists to do things or not do things which have a negative impact on the outcome of the procedure. There are a couple of good reasons for roughening or beveling the tooth. One reason is there is a stronger bond when you spread the bonded surface over more area and the area has been lightly prepped. Another good reason is the dentist can make interface between the tooth and the bonding material disappear so it looks like a natural tooth....... not a filling on a tooth. In the end it depends on how the patient wants the final restoration to look and if the dentist is willing to compromise his or her artistic results.

The research has shown that the best bonds to enamel are when the enamel is slightly roughened (prepped) versus enamel that is not roughened (unprepped).  Your dentist suggested that technique so that the situation for the best enamel bond can be created.  Also, this will help to blend the material so that there is no visible distinction between the tooth and the bonded composite material.  The minimal amount of roughened enamel will help in the long term.  Also, roughening the enamel should not be painful, but you will sense some vibration.