Emergency Dental Care in Melbourne

Cracked or Broken Tooth

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Understanding Broken and Cracked Teeth

Teeth can break or crack for various reasons, from biting down on hard foods to sports injuries. Whatever the cause, it’s essential to address the issue quickly to prevent further damage and alleviate pain.

Common Causes of Broken or Cracked Teeth:

  • Biting on hard objects (ice, hard candy, etc.)
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Sports injuries
  • Accidents or falls
  • Large old fillings that weaken the tooth
  • Sudden temperature changes in the mouth
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Understanding Broken and Cracked Teeth

Types of Tooth Damage

  1. Cracked Tooth: A vertical crack that runs from the biting surface towards the root.
  2. Craze Lines: Tiny, superficial cracks in the enamel. These are common and usually don’t require treatment.
  3. Fractured Cusp: When a piece of the tooth’s chewing surface breaks off, often around a filling.
  4. Split Tooth: A crack that extends from the surface to below the gum line, splitting the tooth into two segments.
  5. Vertical Root Fracture: Cracks that begin in the root and extend towards the chewing surface.
  6. Cracked tooth syndrome: a condition where a tooth has a hairline crack that doesn’t extend to the gum line.
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Recognising the Signs of a Broken or Cracked Tooth

Identifying a broken or cracked tooth early can make treatment easier and more effective.

Look out for these symptoms:

  • Sharp pain when biting or chewing
  • Sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Pain that comes and goes
  • Swelling around the affected tooth
  • Visible chips or cracks in the tooth
  • Rough edges that you can feel with your tongue

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care as soon as possible.

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Immediate Steps to Take After Breaking or Cracking a Tooth

While it’s essential to see a dentist quickly, there are some steps you can take immediately to manage the situation:

  1. Rinse your mouth: Use warm water to clean the area gently.
  2. Control bleeding: If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or tea bag.
  3. Manage pain: Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek near the affected area to reduce swelling and numb pain.
  4. Cover sharp edges: If the broken tooth has a jagged edge, cover it with dental wax (available at most pharmacies) to protect your tongue and cheeks.
  5. Avoid certain foods: Stay away from hot or cold foods and drinks, as well as hard or chewy items.
  6. Save any broken pieces: If you can find any broken pieces of your tooth, save them and bring them to your dental appointment.

Remember, these are temporary measures. Professional dental care is necessary for proper treatment and to prevent complications.

 

Book an appointment at one of 6 MC Dental clinics in Melbourne.
Over 35 bilingual dentists available 7 days a week.

Call us on 03 8608 8968
or book online by clicking on the button below.

Book Your Appointment

 

Why Prompt Treatment is Crucial

Seeking immediate treatment for a broken or cracked tooth is vital for several reasons:

  1. Pain Management: A broken tooth can be extremely painful. Quick treatment can alleviate this discomfort.
  2. Preventing Infection: Cracks in teeth can allow bacteria to enter, potentially leading to infections that could spread to other parts of your body.
  3. Saving the Tooth: In many cases, quick action can save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.
  4. Cost-Effective: Treating a problem early often means simpler, less expensive procedures.
  5. Maintaining Oral Health: Broken teeth can affect your bite and put stress on other teeth, leading to further problems if left untreated.


Our Emergency Dental Services in Melbourne

At MC Dental, we’re committed to providing swift, effective care for dental emergencies. Our services include:

  • Same-Day Emergency Appointments: We understand that dental emergencies can’t wait. We offer same-day appointments for urgent cases.
  • State-of-the-Art Technology: Our advanced imaging technology allows us to quickly and accurately assess the extent of the damage.
  • Comprehensive Treatment Options: From simple bonding to root canals and crowns, we offer a full range of treatments to address your specific needs.
  • Pain Management: We prioritise your comfort and offer effective pain management solutions.
  • Follow-Up Care: We don’t just treat the immediate problem – we provide comprehensive care to ensure your ongoing oral health.

Treatment Options for Broken or Cracked Teeth

The appropriate treatment for a broken or cracked tooth depends on the severity and location of the damage. Here are some common treatments we offer:

Dental Bonding

For minor chips or cracks, dental bonding can be an effective solution. This involves applying a tooth-coloured resin material to the damaged area, shaping it to match your natural tooth, and then hardening it with a special light.

Dental Veneers

For front teeth with more significant damage, veneers might be recommended. These thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured materials are designed to cover the front surface of teeth, improving their appearance and providing protection.

Dental Crowns

When a large portion of the tooth is damaged, a crown (or cap) might be necessary. This covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Root Canal Treatment

If a crack extends into the pulp of the tooth (where the nerves and blood vessels are), a root canal may be needed to save the tooth. This involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it.

Tooth Extraction

In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary. We offer various replacement options, including dental implants, to restore your smile after

Preventing Broken and Cracked Teeth

While accidents happen, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of dental emergencies:

  1. Wear a mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, a custom-fitted mouthguard can provide protection.
  2. Avoid chewing on hard objects: Don’t use your teeth to open packaging or chew on ice, hard candies, or other non-food items.
  3. Practise good oral hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can keep your teeth strong and catch potential issues early.
  4. Address teeth grinding: If you grind your teeth, talk to us about solutions like night guards or stress reduction techniques.
  5. Be cautious with temperature extremes: Avoid alternating between very hot and very cold foods or drinks, as this can cause teeth to crack

 

MC Dental Melbourne Clinics

 

Why Choose MC Dental for Your Dental Emergency?

  1. Experienced Team: Our dentists have years of experience handling all types of dental emergencies.
  2. Cutting-Edge Technology: We use the latest dental technology to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
  3. Comfortable Environment: We understand dental emergencies can be stressful, so we strive to create a calming, comfortable atmosphere.
  4. Comprehensive Care: From immediate pain relief to long-term solutions, we provide complete care for your oral health.

Contact Us for Emergency Dental Care

Don’t let a broken or cracked tooth impact your quality of life. At MC Dental, we’re here to provide the prompt, professional care you need.

For dental emergencies in Melbourne, call us immediately at 03 8608 8968. Our team is ready to help you restore your smile and alleviate your pain.

Remember, quick action can make all the difference when it comes to saving a broken or cracked tooth. Don’t wait – contact us now for expert emergency dental care in Melbourne.

 

Book an appointment at one of 6 MC Dental clinics in Melbourne.
Melbourne Central | Westfield Doncaster | Docklands | Glen Waverley | Brighton | Highpoint

Call us on 03 8608 8968
or book online by clicking on the button below.

Book Your Appointment

 

FAQ – Broken tooth or Cracked teeth

Is a chipped or cracked tooth considered a dental emergency?

While not all chips or cracks are emergencies, it’s best to have them evaluated promptly. If you’re experiencing pain, sensitivity, or sharp edges that could cut your tongue or cheeks, it’s considered an emergency. Even if you’re not in pain, a cracked tooth can worsen quickly, so it’s important to seek professional advice as soon as possible.

Can a cracked tooth heal on its own?

Unfortunately, a cracked tooth cannot heal on its own. Unlike bones, teeth do not have the ability to regenerate or repair themselves. However, early treatment can prevent the crack from worsening and may save the tooth from extraction.

How long can I wait before seeing a dentist for a broken tooth?

It’s best to see a dentist as soon as possible after breaking or cracking a tooth. If you’re in pain or the damage is significant, try to get an emergency appointment immediately. For minor chips without pain, you might be able to wait a day or two, but don’t delay too long as even small cracks can worsen over time.

Will my dental insurance cover the cost of repairing a broken tooth?

Most dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost for repairing a broken tooth, especially if it’s considered an emergency procedure. However, coverage can vary depending on your specific plan and the treatment required. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand your coverage. Our team can also assist you in navigating your insurance benefits.

How much does it cost to fix a broken tooth?

The cost can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage and the treatment required. Minor chips might be repaired with bonding, which is relatively inexpensive. More significant damage might require a crown or even a root canal, which would be more costly. In Melbourne, costs can range from a couple hundred dollars for minor repairs to several thousand for more complex procedures. We provide detailed cost estimates before beginning any treatment.

Are there any home remedies for a broken tooth?

While home remedies can provide temporary relief, they can’t replace professional dental care. You can rinse with warm salt water to clean the area, use dental wax to cover sharp edges, and take over-the-counter pain relievers. However, these are only short-term solutions until you can see a dentist.

Can a severely damaged tooth always be saved?

In many cases, even severely damaged teeth can be saved with modern dental techniques. However, if the crack extends below the gum line or the tooth is split into two, it may need to be extracted. Our goal is always to save the natural tooth when possible, but we’ll recommend the best treatment for your specific situation.

Will fixing my broken tooth hurt?

At MC Dental, we prioritise your comfort during all procedures. Most treatments for broken teeth, such as bonding or placing a crown, cause minimal discomfort. For more extensive procedures like root canals, we use effective local anaesthesia to ensure you don’t feel pain during the treatment. We make the environment relaxing to help nervous patients reduce dental anxiety.

How long does it take to fix a broken tooth?

The time required depends on the treatment. Simple bonding can often be done in a single visit lasting about 30-60 minutes. Crowns typically require two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and another to place the permanent crown. Root canals may take 1-2 hours and might require more than one appointment for complex cases.

Can I wait until I get back from holiday before seeing a dentist about my broken tooth?

It’s not advisable to delay treatment for a broken tooth, even if you’re on holiday. Untreated breaks can lead to pain, infection, and more extensive damage. If you’re visiting Melbourne, we offer emergency appointments for tourists. If you’re a Melbourne resident travelling elsewhere, we recommend seeking local emergency dental care at your holiday destination.

For all dental emergencies in Melbourne, call us immediately at 03 8608 8968. MC Dental team is ready to help you 7 days a week and on public holidays.