Even though your dentures aren’t your natural teeth, you rely on them every single day. They help you eat, speak, and – of course – smile like normal. So, when your denture breaks one day, you’re not quite sure what to do. Does a broken denture count as a dental emergency? It may not seem like it, but the answer is a resounding yes! After all, you’d seek emergency dental care if your natural teeth were broken. Here’s what you need to know about what to do if your denture is broken.
Why Do Dentures Break?
Some of the most common reasons why a denture might break include:
- Accidents – If you’re not careful, you might drop your denture while cleaning it.
- Improper care – Failure to clean and maintain your denture on a daily basis can cause it to break down more quickly.
- Wear and tear – Even the most meticulously crafted dentures are not designed to last forever. The highly durable materials they’re made from can still weaken over the years.
What Should I Do If I Break My Denture?
If any part of your denture is broken, however minor, you should contact your dentist and schedule an appointment right away. Most dentists keep time open in their schedules for patients with emergencies, and a broken denture definitely meets that requirement. They’ll do their utmost to get you an appointment later that same day so that they can fix your denture.
In the meantime, do NOT use over-the-counter denture repair kits. Without the specialized knowledge of how dentures work, you might end up doing more harm than good trying to fix it on your own. You might even end up damaging your denture to the point that it needs a full replacement instead of a simple repair.
How Your Dentist Can Fix a Broken Denture
The treatment your dentist recommends will depend on how old your denture is, how well it fits, and the extent of the damage. Typically, they’ll choose one of the following solutions:
- Reline – If your denture doesn’t fit well anymore, or the damage is minor and mostly on the underside, then your dentist can reshape this surface to create a more comfortable fit.
- Replacement – Often, a denture that is several years old and severely damaged will need to be replaced entirely.
- Implant denture – If your dentist believes that you’re a good candidate for dental implants, they may suggest an implant denture. Securing a denture onto these artificial tooth roots prevents your dentures from slipping, falling out, and losing their fit. Plus, they can last for much longer and allow for easier chewing.
Are you dealing with a broken denture? If so, don’t delay – call your emergency dentist as soon as you can to get your smile back on track!
About the Practice
At Temple Choice Dental, our three expert dentists prioritize patients who need urgent smile care. That’s why we offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible. We can also handle every step of the dental implant process in-house if we decide that an implant denture is right for you. To find out how we can repair your broken denture, contact our practice at 254-727-7144.