Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Why does my new crown hurt when chewing in Glen Iris?

Pain or Discomfort After a New Dental Crown

It is not uncommon to experience soreness or discomfort when biting down on a tooth after a new crown has been fitted. However, persistent pain or sensitivity after a dental crown is not normal and should be assessed by Dr. Daniel Kaufman . There are several possible reasons this might occur.

Common Causes of Pain After Getting a Crown

  1. Crown height or bite alignment issue
    The most common reason for pain is that the new crown sits slightly higher than adjacent teeth, causing excessive pressure when you bite or chew. The solution is to adjust and reduce the crown height to align with surrounding teeth for an even bite.

  2. Underlying tooth decay
    If decay was present beneath the tooth before placing the crown, bacteria may remain trapped beneath it. In such cases, the crown may need to be removed so the tooth can be properly cleaned and restored. Leaving the infection untreated can result in swelling or abscess formation near the affected tooth.

  3. Cracked or fractured tooth
    If the tooth covered by the crown is cracked, pressure while biting may cause the crack to open slightly, resulting in sharp pain. This often requires further dental treatment to repair the fracture.

  4. Gum inflammation or infection
    Soreness or tenderness around the crown can also be caused by gum irritation or infection. This may feel worse when brushing or eating and needs professional evaluation to treat the area and promote healing.

  5. Inflamed or damaged nerve
    If the nerve inside the crowned tooth was not removed during treatment, it may become inflamed or infected, leading to persistent discomfort or sensitivity. Root canal therapy may be necessary to relieve the pain.

  6. Loose crown
    A crown that does not fit securely can move slightly while chewing, irritating the tooth and gums underneath. Tightening or re-cementing the crown can usually resolve the problem.

When to See Your Dentist

If you notice pain, sensitivity, or soreness in a tooth that has been recently crowned, do not ignore it. Schedule an examination , ask Dr. Kaufman a question or schedule an appointment online today.

Why wear a mouth guard while playing sport in Glen Iris?

Each year, thousands of adults and children are treated for dental injuries that could have been prevented or minimised by simply wearing a mouthguard. The Australian Dental Association strongly recommends the use of a mouthguard in any sport or activity where collision or contact is likely, during both games and training. Often injuries in sports or activities that occur, are those we didn’t even consider to be a danger. It’s always best to ‘play it safe’ and wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.

Who Needs a Mouthguard?

Anyone who plays a sport or undertakes an activity where collision or contact to the face is a risk should wear a mouthguard. Sports such as rugby union and league, AFL, hockey and boxing are ‘no brainers’ because intentional collision, are part of the game.
However, it is sports where accidental collision occurs that are often responsible for dental trauma, such as cricket, basketball, netball, touch football, and soccer. These sports are considered ‘non-contact’ and yet they also carry a risk of accidental collision.
It does not matter if you are just during training or you are during a game, the risk is always there.

The consequences of an injury to the face.

Dental trauma from sporting injury can include damage to the tooth nerve, fractured, cracked or knocked-out teeth, a broken jaw, damage to the tongue and cut lips. Unfortunately, a single event of dental trauma can lead to a lifelong need for dental treatment in order to maintain the strength and health of the damaged tooth or teeth. Some treatments do not last forever so a damaged tooth will often need attention more than once. Prevention is always better than the cure, so play it safe and wear a mouthguard.

The best protection.

The Australian Dental Association recommends a custom-fitted mouthguard for all those who participate in contact sports or sports with high risk of dental injury. A custom-fitted mouthguard that has been designed by Tooronga Family Dantistry makes breathing and speaking a lot easier when wearing your mouthguard. You are overall a lot more comfortable than the ‘boil-and-bite’ counterparts. These are the mouthguard that you can purchase from a chemist or sports store that offer less protection as they are ill-fitted and loose in the mouth, which can be dangerous during impact or they may come out altogether.
It is important to stay safe when playing sports, don’t let an injury take away the fum from the game.

What to Do After a Dental Accident: Emergency Steps to Save Your Teeth in Glen Iris

Accidents happen — and when they involve your teeth, acting fast can make all the difference. Dental injuries from falls, sports, or everyday mishaps can cause cracks, chips, or even tooth loss. The good news? You can often minimize the damage if you know what to do and when to contact your dentist.

At Tooronga Family Dentistry, Dr. Kaufman and our team are here to help you handle dental emergencies quickly and effectively. Here’s what you should know if you or your child experiences dental trauma.

After a Fall — Don’t Assume Everything Is Fine

Even if your teeth look intact after a fall, there could still be internal damage. Cracks, loosened teeth, or root injuries aren’t always visible to the naked eye. If left unchecked, these can lead to long-term dental complications.

Always book an emergency appointment with Dr. Kaufman at Tooronga Family Dentistry to ensure no hidden damage has occurred. The sooner you get examined, the better the chances of saving your tooth.

Dental Accidents in Children

Bumps and falls are part of growing up, but a knocked-out tooth requires immediate attention. Follow these steps to minimize long-term damage:

  1. Find the tooth — Hold it by the crown (the white part), not the root.
  2. Clean it gently — If dirty, rinse with clean running water. Don’t scrub or touch the root.
  3. Reinsert the tooth if it’s permanent — Gently place it back in the socket, ensuring it’s facing the right way.
    • If it’s a baby tooth, do not reinsert it. Place it in a bag and bring it to your dentist.
  4. Call Tooronga Family Dentistry immediately.
  5. If you can’t replant it, store it in milk or saliva. Older children may keep the tooth in their mouth if safe to do so.

If your child complains of a toothache after a fall, rinse with salt water (1 teaspoon salt in a cup of lukewarm water) and use paracetamol for pain relief. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling — but remember, this does not apply to teething infants.

For broken or bent braces or retainers, remove them and bring them to Dr. Kaufman for adjustment. Learn more about orthodontic emergencies.

Dental Trauma in Adults

If you lose a tooth due to an accident, time is critical — ideally, see Dr. Kaufman within 30 minutes. The faster you act, the greater the chance of saving your tooth.

Follow these steps:

  1. Find the tooth and handle it by the crown only.
  2. Rinse with clean water if dirty — never scrub or soak it.
  3. Reinsert it gently into the socket and bite down softly on a tissue, gauze, or mouthguard to keep it in place.
  4. Call Tooronga Family Dentistry right away.
  5. If you can’t replant it, transport it in milk or saliva.

Final Thoughts

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone — children or adults. Knowing what to do in those first few moments can be the difference between saving or losing a tooth. Keep our number handy, and if an accident occurs, contact Tooronga Family Dentistry immediately for professional care and peace of mind.

 

Habits That Can Damage Your Teeth: What to Avoid and Better Alternatives in Glen Iris

Some everyday habits may seem harmless but can actually harm your teeth in the long run. Here are some common examples and tips for protecting your smile:

Using Your Teeth as Tools
Opening packages or ripping tags with your teeth may seem convenient but puts you at risk for cracked or broken teeth. Instead, keep a small multi-tool or scissors handy to save your teeth for smiling—not cutting!

Nail Biting
Biting your nails can cause painful nail infections and may even damage your teeth. Like using your teeth as tools, this habit increases the risk of chips and cracks. Break the habit by getting a manicure or covering fingernails with bandages.

Chewing Ice
Ice is very hard and can put stress on your teeth, causing cracks, chips, or even fracturing existing fillings or crowns. It may also leave your jaw muscles sore. If you crave something chewy and refreshing, opt for sugar-free gum instead.

Using Toothpicks Incorrectly
Frequent or aggressive use of round toothpicks can damage gums and teeth. Toothpicks can become wedged between your teeth and gums, causing irritation or even injury. If you need to remove food particles, use floss or interdental brushes. If you prefer toothpicks, choose anatomically shaped ones and use them gently.

Protect Your Smile!
By kicking these damaging habits, you can maintain strong, healthy teeth for life. If you have questions about tooth health or need advice on better oral habits, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Daniel Kaufman.

Broken, Chipped or Cracked Teeth – What Glen Iris Patients Need to Know

Tooth enamel is one of the strongest materials in the human body, but even strong enamel can break, chip or crack—especially with some of the crunchy foods we love around Glen Iris. Crunching down on hard foods like pork crackling, ice or candy is one of the most common causes of cracked teeth. A fall while walking around Gardiner’s Creek Trail or a sporting knock at TH King Oval can also lead to sudden tooth damage.

If a tooth already has decay, is weakened by grinding, or has an old restoration, it is even more likely to fracture.

A cracked or broken tooth may not always hurt, especially if the tooth has already had a root canal treatment. More commonly, pain appears while chewing, when pressure causes the cracked sections of the tooth to move. You may also notice sensitivity to heat or cold if the nerve inside the tooth is irritated or exposed.

When left untreated, a cracked tooth can allow bacteria to enter deeper layers of the tooth, the root canal system and even the bone—leading to serious infection and possible tooth loss.

Below are the common types of tooth fractures that we treat every week at Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris, and the treatments most often used.

Minor Cracks

Small surface cracks in the enamel—often caused by tooth grinding, clenching or hard foods—are very common.
At Tooronga Family Dentistry, these are often resolved with a simple polish to remove rough edges and improve comfort.

A Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth is at high risk of breaking apart.
If the crack runs through a tooth with a filling or decay, we will:

  1. Remove the old filling and any decay

  2. Rebuild the tooth using a strong composite restoration, which holds the cracked segments together

This restores strength and prevents further fracture.

Tooth Chips

Small chips can usually be repaired with a composite filling to prevent the damage from worsening.
If the chip is tiny and does not affect your smile, we may simply polish the area.

Large Fractures

When a large portion of the tooth breaks away, it often means the crack reaches the nerve. This can cause severe sensitivity or pain.
In these cases, treatment usually involves:

  • Root canal therapy

  • A custom crown to protect the weakened tooth

Split Tooth

If a crack runs vertically and the tooth is separated into two sections, treatment options include:

  • Root canal treatment, if the split is limited

  • Extraction, if the split is too deep to restore

If You Break, Chip or Crack a Tooth in Glen Iris

If you notice a crack, chip or break—even if it doesn’t hurt—it is important to see Dr Daniel Kaufman at Tooronga Family Dentistry as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

You can book online or 👉Call.
📍 Conveniently located for families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East

Why Old Fillings Need to Be Replaced – Glen Iris Dental Guide

Dental fillings don’t last forever. Over time, they can weaken, crack, or develop decay around their edges. In many Glen Iris patients, worn fillings also cause sensitivity or soreness in the tooth underneath. When this happens, it usually means a small gap has formed between the filling and the natural tooth. This tiny space can trap bacteria, eventually allowing decay to reach the pulp and potentially cause an abscess.

Below are the most common reasons we replace old fillings here at Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris:

Why Fillings Need to Be Replaced

1. Decay around the filling

When bacteria collect around an ageing filling, new decay can develop. If not treated, this can spread deeper and require root canal treatment.

2. Cracks or structural damage

Old fillings—particularly large metal amalgam ones—can contribute to cracks forming in the tooth. These cracks can cause pain, sensitivity, and may eventually lead to a fracture.

3. Cosmetic concerns

Amalgam fillings can give teeth a dark, shadowed appearance. This happens because metal ions gradually migrate into the tooth structure.

4. Personal preference

Some patients wish to replace older metal fillings due to concerns about mercury content or simply to upgrade to natural-looking white fillings.

5. When a filling falls out

If a filling has loosened or fallen out, it must be replaced promptly to prevent infection or further damage.

Amalgam Fillings – 

For decades, amalgam (silver) fillings were the standard treatment for cavities. These fillings were made from a mixture of silver, tin, copper and liquid mercury, forming a strong and long-lasting metal alloy. They were widely used because they were durable, cost-effective, and easy to place.

However, over time dentists discovered several drawbacks:

Temperature Expansion and Contraction

Amalgam fillings expand in heat and contract in cold. This constant movement can place stress on the surrounding tooth structure.

Corrosion Over Time

Amalgam fillings can oxidise or “rust.” This corrosion weakens the bond between the filling and the tooth.

Cracking of Tooth Structure

Because amalgam doesn’t bond to the tooth, it can act like a wedge. As it expands and contracts, it can cause the surrounding tooth walls to crack.
Many Glen Iris patients come to us because a large old metal filling has caused a significant fracture.

Appearance

Amalgam fillings darken the tooth, and many patients now prefer tooth-coloured options.

For these reasons, a large number of people around Glen Iris are choosing to have their old metal fillings replaced with safer, stronger and more natural-looking alternatives.

Modern Alternatives to Amalgam Fillings4e

Thanks to major advancements in dental materials, we now offer several excellent alternatives at Tooronga Family Dentistry, including:

Composite Resin (White Fillings)

A natural-looking option that bonds directly to the tooth, strengthening the remaining structure.

Porcelain

Highly aesthetic, stain-resistant and ideal for larger restorations such as inlays, onlays, or crowns.

Zirconia

Extremely strong and durable—an excellent choice for back teeth or patients who grind.

Gold

Still considered one of the most durable materials available, though used less commonly today.

Dr. Daniel Kaufman  will explain the benefits of each material and help you choose the best option for your tooth, your smile and your long-term oral health.

If You Need a Filling Replaced in Glen Iris

If you have an old filling that looks dark, feels sensitive, or may be cracked, it’s best to have it assessed promptly. You can book online or 👉Call

📍 Serving Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern & Hawthorn East