Is a Broken Denture a Dental Emergency?

It happened when you least expected it to. You were enjoying your favorite lunch when all of a sudden, you feel your denture break in half. Oh no! What do you do? While your first instinct might be to panic, rest assured – this happens much more often than you think! Most people who find themselves in this predicament aren’t sure whether they should contact their emergency dentist or simply deal with it at home. Lucky for you, we’ve got the answers you’re looking for. Read on to learn what to do if you have a broken denture.

What Causes a Broken Denture?

There are many reasons why you may have a broken denture. Some of those include:

• Wear and Tear: One of the most common causes of a broken denture includes wear and tear over time. After years of use, your prosthetic has undergone many stress cycles of chewing and daily wear. Plus, the temperature variations found in hot and cold foods along with the moisture in your mouth can wear down your prosthetic.
• Jawbone Loss: As you get older, progressive jawbone loss can shrink the jaw. An ill-fitting denture can move around the mouth easily, and the lack of stability places unnecessary stress on the prosthetic, causing it to crack or break.
• Accidental or Incidental Breakage: Maybe you accidentally dropped it or damaged it while doing other everyday activities. The simple act of taking your dentures out of your mouth puts you at risk of breakage.

What Should You Do If Your Denture Breaks?

The first thing you should do is contact your dentist for an emergency appointment. A broken denture is considered a dental emergency, which means you need to seek treatment right away. Your dentist can take a look at your denture and recommend the best solution for your case. While you can purchase an over-the-counter denture repair kit, professionals strongly advise against using them. They usually do not contain the proper materials necessary to effectively repair your prosthetic.

How Your Dentist Can Help

Depending on the severity and type of break, your denture may or may not be able to be repaired. In some cases, your prosthetic can be fixed during your appointment. Other times the prosthetic may need to be sent to a dental lab for repair. Your dentist will explain all your options and help you decide on the best solution to get your smile back on the right track.

Have a broken denture? Contact your dentist right away and make an appointment. They’ll work quickly to repair your prosthetic and restore your smile!

About the Practice

At On Point Dentistry, we combine modern dentistry with old-fashioned hospitality. Our team will always go above and beyond to provide care that’ll leave you smiling after every appointment. If you have a broken denture, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. You can schedule a visit via our website or call (469) 476-4092.