Dentures are one of the most popular options when it comes to replacing your missing teeth. They are life-changing for people who are missing most or all of their teeth, and they have numerous different benefits. However, just like natural teeth, dentures aren’t immune to damage. They aren’t your real teeth, but are broken dentures considered a “dental emergency?” Read on to learn more about how dentures can break and what you should do if this happens to you.
How Do Dentures Become Damaged?
Modern dentures are strong, but they can still become damaged. Here are some of the most common ways that this can happen:
- Accident: If you are injured or accidentally drop your dentures, they could become damaged.
- Bone Loss: While bone loss does not necessarily cause your dentures to break, it can make them fit poorly.
- Improper Use: The purpose of dentures is to help you smile, chew your food, and hold in saliva. They were not made to be used as bottle openers, scissors, or nail clippers. If you aren’t using them properly, they could break.
- Wear and Tear: Unfortunately, dentures have yet to be made to last forever. They can become worn after many years of use.
What Should You Do with a Broken Denture?
If you have a denture that is broken, you should head to your emergency dentist as soon as you get the chance. This may not be a life-threatening situation, but you still want to have the issue resolved as soon as you can. Give your dentist a call to let them know what’s going on. This way, they can schedule you an urgent appointment.
You can find denture repair kits over the counter, but this usually isn’t the best idea when it comes to fixing your false teeth. You need to have the proper knowledge to repair them correctly. If you don’t, you could end up accidentally damaging them even further.
What’s the Solution to a Broken Denture?
When you head into the dental office, your dentist will be able to determine the best possible solution depending on the extent of the damage. Here are some of the possible outcomes:
- Reline: When dentures aren’t fitting correctly, often as a result of bone loss, your dentist may suggest that you have them relined. This is when they reshape the underside of your denture to make it fit more comfortably on your gums.
- Replace: If your dentures are old and worn, or the damage is beyond repair, your dentist will probably recommend that you have a new one made.
- Dental Implants: You may make a good candidate for dental implant dentures. They offer greater stability, prevent further bone loss, and are more comfortable than traditional dentures.
Just because your life isn’t at risk doesn’t mean that you should put off essential dental care. By getting in touch with your dentist, your dentures will be good as new in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Gladston Silva is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over two decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with a specialization in prosthodontics from the University of Itauna in Brazil. Currently, he is a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and Florida Prosthodontic Association. If you have a broken denture, he’d be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Daytona Beach, visit his website or call (386) 274-2021.