Chipped Tooth Repair in Portland, OR
What to do when you chip a tooth
Did you just chip your tooth? Even if you’re not in any pain, seek help as soon as possible. Left untreated, even tiny cracks, chips, and fractures can lead to tooth decay and toothaches.
Here’s what to do:
- Call us right away to schedule a consultation
- Cover any sharp parts of your tooth with a piece of dental wax or sugarless gum
- If your tooth is making you uncomfortable, take an over-the-counter pain reliever
- Rinse your mouth with warm water or use a cold compress if you’re experiencing swelling
- Avoid extremely hot, cold, hard, or sticky foods as your tooth will be extra sensitive and prone to more damage
Don’t wait to fix a chipped tooth. Our highly trained, aesthetically-motivated prosthodontists can restore your tooth and smile to perfect condition.
Why are chipped teeth common?
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body. But without proper care and maintenance, this protective enamel barrier will erode, leaving your teeth weak and susceptible to damage.
The most common reasons for your enamel to wear away include:
- Tooth decay and cavities
- Large fillings
- Eating a lot of acidic foods or excessive alcohol use
- Dry mouth
- Acid reflux and chronic heartburn
- Bruxism (tooth grinding)
- Eating disorders like bulimia
- Being 50 years of age or older
Of course, chipped teeth can also just be the result of an accident — slips and falls, car collisions, contact sports, and other injuries often cause chipped or fractured teeth.
Signs of a chipped tooth
It will be obvious if you’ve chipped a big piece of your front tooth. But a damaged molar or tiny piece of a tooth probably won’t be as noticeable — especially right away.
If you hit your head, fell, bit down on something too hard, or think you might be grinding your teeth, be on the lookout for these signs of a chipped tooth:
- Small vertical lines in your teeth
- Jagged surface when you run your tongue over your teeth
- Irritated gums around a particular tooth
- Sore tongue from catching on the tooth’s uneven edge
- Pain when biting and chewing
How to fix a chip in your tooth
There are many ways to fix a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth — we’ll help you determine which treatment is best for you.
Dental Crown
A dental crown acts as a "cap" and covers the damaged tooth, restoring its normal size, shape, function, and aesthetics. Crowns are also designed to strengthen your tooth, helping you avoid another chip down the road.
Implant
If the broken tooth has suffered extensive damage, replacing it might be the best solution for you. A dental implant is made from titanium and other biocompatible materials and is designed to strengthen your jaw bone and restore your smile.
Veneer
Made from natural tooth-colored materials, a veneer is a durable, thin porcelain shell that perfectly fits over your tooth and restores the shape, color, and overall appearance of your smile.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
If your dental concerns go beyond one chipped tooth, a full mouth reconstruction will combine multiple treatments to address potentially larger problems. This will protect your teeth from further damage and give you a smile to be proud of.
Your smile deserves the best care
Drs. Halmos and Manning are the recognized experts on fixing chipped teeth and restoring your smile.
We take a personalized and comprehensive approach, ensuring the chipped tooth isn’t a sign of a larger issue that needs to be addressed first.
Additionally, unlike other Portland prosthodontists, we have a highly trained ceramist on hand. Our ceramist specializes in difficult color-matching cases, making him uniquely qualified to create seamless, beautiful results no matter how much damage your tooth has suffered.
Learn more about what sets us apart and how to become a new patient.
"Calm and relaxed atmosphere, personable staff, this office has everything dialed in to provide a comfortable and professional experience. Dr. Manning’s ability to put you completely at ease is coupled with an expert skill set. The procedure was painless and much shorter than I expected. I will definitely refer my friends to this office."
-Lance T.
Our Office
11790 SW Barnes Rd, #260
Portland, OR 97225
Mon-Thurs: 8:00am to 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am to 4:00pm
Call (503) 352-3224
Schedule Your Consultation
No referral needed! Call (503) 352-3224 to get started.