Chipped Tooth Repair Melbourne

Causes of a Cracked or Chipped Tooth

Understanding what causes chipped teeth can help prevent future damage. Here are some common reasons:

Tooth Decay 

A weak or decayed tooth may be more prone to chipping. Cavities undermine the enamel, making it easier for a tooth to break under pressure.

Physical Trauma 

Accidents, sports injuries, or even biting into something hard can lead to sudden cracks or chips.

Teeth Grinding

Bruxism (teeth grinding), especially at night, puts excessive pressure on teeth and wears them down over time, increasing the risk of fractures.

Age Related 

As we age, our enamel thins and becomes more brittle. This makes older adults more vulnerable to cracked teeth.

Old Large Filling 

Large or worn-out fillings can weaken the tooth structure, causing it to chip under normal chewing pressure.

Improper biting habits

Using your teeth to open bottles, tear packets, or bite nails can easily result in damage.

What Will Happen if You Leave Your Chipped Teeth Untreated?

Ignoring a chipped tooth can lead to:

• Increased sensitivity to pain

• Tooth decay or infection

• Further cracking or breaking

• Difficulty chewing

• Aesthetic concerns

Early treatment helps prevent complications and protects your overall oral health.

Emergency Steps to Take if You Have a Chipped Tooth

Chipping a tooth can be unsettling, especially if it happens suddenly. Acting quickly and correctly can help minimise pain, reduce the risk of infection, and improve the chances of successful treatment. Here’s what to do:

1. Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Water

Start by gently rinsing your mouth with warm water. This helps remove any debris or blood and reduces the risk of infection. Avoid using hot or icy water if the tooth is sensitive.

2. Apply a Cold Compress to Reduce Swelling

If your face is swollen or bruised, apply a cold compress or a wrapped ice pack to the outside of your cheek. This helps control swelling and eases discomfort. Use 10-minute intervals — 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off.

3. Save Any Broken Pieces (If Possible)

If part of your tooth has broken off, gently rinse it with water and store it in a clean container. You can place it in milk or saliva to help preserve it. Bring the fragment with you to your dental appointment — in some cases, it can be bonded back in place.

4. Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side

To prevent further damage, avoid eating or chewing on the side of the chipped tooth. Stick to soft foods and avoid anything crunchy, rigid, or sticky until you’ve seen a dentist.

5. Cover Sharp Edges

If the chip has left a jagged or sharp edge, you can use sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax (available at most pharmacies) to cover it temporarily. This protects your tongue and cheeks from cuts or irritation.

6. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief (If Needed)

If you’re in pain, medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort. Always follow the recommended dosage and avoid aspirin if there’s any bleeding, as it can thin the blood.

7. Contact Your Dentist Immediately

Don’t delay. Call your local Melbourne dentist as soon as possible to book an emergency appointment. Early treatment can often prevent more serious problems and save your tooth.

The Diagnosis of a Chipped Tooth

Diagnosing a chipped or cracked tooth isn’t always straightforward, especially if the damage isn’t visible to the naked eye. That’s why a proper dental examination is essential. Here’s what typically happens during your visit:

1. Visual Examination

Your dentist will first examine your mouth to look for any visible chips, cracks, or sharp edges. They’ll also check for signs of bleeding, swelling, or tooth discolouration, which may indicate deeper damage.

2. Discussion of Symptoms

You’ll be asked about what happened, when the pain started, and what kind of discomfort you’re experiencing. Common symptoms include sensitivity to hot or cold, pain while chewing, or discomfort when biting down.

3. Tactile Testing

Using a dental instrument, your dentist may gently probe the tooth to check for rough edges, cracks, or unstable fragments. You might also be asked to bite down on a soft material to test for pain caused by pressure — a telltale sign of a cracked tooth.

4. Dental X-Rays

If the crack or chip is not visible, X-rays will be taken to assess the tooth’s internal structure and surrounding bone. This helps detect whether the pulp (nerve) is affected or if there’s hidden damage below the gum line.

5. Special Lighting or Dye Tests

In some cases, your dentist may use a special light or dental dye to highlight tiny cracks that are otherwise hard to see. This is particularly useful for diagnosing hairline fractures or cracks in molars.

6. Determining the Extent of the Damage

Once all tests are complete, your dentist will evaluate:

• The size and location of the chip or crack

• Whether the nerve is exposed

• The strength of the remaining tooth structure

This information will guide your personalised treatment plan, ensuring the right procedure is chosen to restore both function and aesthetics.

Treatments for Chipped Tooth Repair

Bonding

For minor chips, tooth-coloured composite resin is applied, shaped, and polished. It’s quick, painless, and blends naturally with your teeth.

Dental Veneers

Thin porcelain veneer or composite veneer shells are custom-made and bonded to the front of the tooth, ideal for chipped front teeth or improving aesthetics.

Dental Crowns and Dental Caps

Used for larger cracks or broken teeth, crowns encase the tooth entirely to restore strength and function.

Dental Fillings

Small chips of affected tooth caused by decay can be restored using tooth-coloured dental bonding fillings to repair both form and function.

Root Canals

If the crack reaches the pulp (nerve), a root canal may be needed to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.

Different Types of Broken or Chipped Tooth

• Minor cracks: Hairline cracks in enamel, often cosmetic.

• Cracked tooth: Extends from the chewing surface vertically toward the root.

• Chipped tooth: A piece of enamel breaks off, usually painlessly.

• Split tooth: A tooth cracked into distinct segments.

• Vertical root fracture: Starts at the root and moves upward, often needing extraction.

Can You Fix a Chipped Tooth at Home?

While you can temporarily relieve discomfort using dental wax or over-the-counter pain relief, chipped teeth require professional dental care. DIY fixes may worsen the damage and delay proper treatment.

How does the Type of the Chip and Tooth affect the Treatment?

Front tooth chips often require cosmetic solutions like bonding or veneers, while back tooth fractures may need crowns or fillings. Deep cracks or chips near the nerve typically require more extensive care, such as a root canal or even extraction. Make sure to book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to control the issue from the start. 

When to Call a Dentist Immediately?

Call your dentist right away if:

• You experience sharp pain or sensitivity

• The chip is large or bleeding

• There’s swelling or signs of infection

• The tooth feels loose or jagged

How Much Does Chipped Tooth Repair Cost in Melbourne?

The average cost to repair a chipped tooth in Melbourne typically ranges from $150 to $2,500, depending on the severity of the damage and the type of treatment required.

• Dental bonding: $150 – $300 per tooth

• Tooth-coloured fillings: $150 – $400

• Porcelain veneers: $900 – $2,500 per tooth

• Dental crowns: $1,000 – $2,000

• Root canal treatment (if needed): $1,500 – $3,000 (including crown)

• Dental implants (if the tooth is beyond saving): $3,500 – $5,000

Minor chips can often be fixed affordably with durable bonding or a simple filling. More serious cracks may require a crown or root canal, which are more costly but provide long-term protection.

For an accurate quote, we recommend booking a consultation with our expert dental team. We will assess your tooth and recommend the most suitable and cost-effective treatment.