Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

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