Broken or Chipped Tooth Repair
A chipped tooth or broken tooth can occur suddenly—whether you're eating something tough, had an accident, or involved in a sports-related injury. Having a chipped tooth can hurt and be an eye sore.
Whatever the cause, fast dental care is important to prevent further complications and to restore your tooth's function and aesthetics.
Our emergency dental office in Portland offers immediate and effective solutions to repair a damaged tooth or teeth if you have multiple, and bring back your smile.
Common Causes of Chipped or Broken Teeth
Teeth can chip, crack, or break from everyday activities unfortunately. Biting down on something hard, like a popcorn kernel or ice cube, can create tiny fractures that weaken the enamel. Stress-related habits like grinding your teeth while working or clenching your jaw during a tough day can also wear them down over time or cause jaw pain. Even something as simple as using your teeth to open a package or bottle cap can cause sudden damage to a tooth or multiple teeth. Over time, even minor cracks can worsen, leading to pain or sensitivity, so taking care of your teeth and being mindful of these habits is key to keeping your smile intact. Here are other causes of cracked, chipped or broken tooth:
• Hard Foods:
Biting into ice, nuts, or hard candies can cause teeth to fracture.
• Accidents or Injuries:
Falls, accidents, or sporting incidents can result in sudden tooth breaks.
• Tooth Decay:
Enamel weakened by decay is more susceptible to cracking or chipping.
• Worn-Out Dental Work:
Older fillings or crowns can weaken over time, making teeth vulnerable to breaks.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism):
Chronic grinding or clenching can gradually weaken teeth and lead to fractures.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care for a Broken Tooth
Not every chip or crack requires immediate attention, but urgent care is crucial in these scenarios:
• Persistent pain or heightened sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Significant tooth damage exposing deeper layers of the tooth
• Sharp edges that could cut your tongue or cheek
• Swelling, bleeding, or potential signs of infection
• Risk of further tooth damage or infection
Emergency Treatments for Chipped and Broken Teeth
Our experienced emergency dentists offer various solutions tailored to your specific dental needs:
1. Dental Bonding (Minor Chips):
Quickly repair minor chips and cracks with tooth-colored resin, restoring your tooth’s original shape and appearance.
2. Porcelain Veneers (Front Tooth Damage):
Cover visible chips on front teeth effectively with durable, natural-looking veneers that enhance your smile.
3. Dental Crowns (Major Breaks):
Strengthen and protect significantly fractured teeth with custom dental crowns designed to prevent further damage.
4. Root Canal Therapy (Exposed Nerve or Infection):
Treat and preserve teeth with exposed pulp or infection through gentle, effective root canal procedures.
5. Tooth Extraction (Severe Damage):
When a tooth cannot be repaired, safe extraction and replacement options like dental implants or bridges are available.
What To Do If You Chip or Broke a Tooth
Before arriving at our office, follow these important steps:
• Rinse gently with warm water to clean the area.
• Apply gauze if there's bleeding.
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Collect and bring any tooth fragments to your dental appointment.
• Avoid chewing on the affected side.
Get Urgent Dental Care in Portland
Don’t let a chipped or broken tooth disrupt your life. Contact our emergency dental office in Portland today for prompt and effective treatment to restore your smile!