Thanks to modern dental materials and technology, dentures are now more comfortable, lifelike and durable than ever before! However, they’re not indestructible. If you accidentally drop them on a hard bathroom counter or bite down on a tough snack, you may find yourself with a broken denture. Just like with a broken tooth, damaged dentures are considered a dental emergency that needs to be treated right away to keep your smile healthy! Here’s how to handle a broken denture.
What to Do If Your Denture Breaks
Whether an artificial tooth is chipped or the acrylic base is cracked, your first step should be to call your dentist. Even if the damage seems minor or if you’re not sure if your situation counts as a dental emergency, give them a call right away! Your dentist will help you assess your situation over the phone to determine what steps you need to take next. Your dentist will likely instruct you not to wear your broken denture until you can reach their office. Doing so could damage it more, or worse, cause your mouth injury.
In some cases, your dentist may give you instructions on how to handle your dentures until you can come in for an appointment in a day or so. In other cases, they may recommend that you come in right away for emergency repairs. Even though dentures aren’t “real teeth,” they play a critical role in eating, speaking, and enjoying your everyday life. Broken dentures could potentially harm your gums and jaw, so your dentist will want to see you right away.
Can Broken Dentures Be Repaired?
When you come in for your appointment, your dentist will closely examine your dentures. They need to fully understand the type and extent of damage to determine how to best fix them. If a tooth has been chipped or cracked, they may be able to quickly restore it with dental bonding. In other cases, a simple readjustment can correct the issue. However, part or all of the denture may need to be replaced entirely if the damage is severe.
How to Keep Your Dentures from Breaking
Thankfully, you can typically expect your dentures to last for several years without any problems as long as you take care of them properly. A few important denture care tips to keep in mind include:
- Handle your dentures carefully: Take your dentures out and put them back in carefully to avoid dropping them. You may want to lay a towel over hard surfaces like your bathroom countertops or sink to minimize the damage if you do accidentally drop them.
- Avoid chewing on hard foods: Chewing on nuts, hard candies, and ice will gradually wear down your dentures and inevitably damage them. It’s best to avoid or limit these foods to keep your dentures strong.
- Visit your dentist regularly: You should visit your dentist for checkups every six months to have your dentures professionally cleaned and inspected. This way, your dentist can spot any potential issues with them as early as possible and take action to keep your smile safe.
About the Practice
At University Dental Group, we’re committed to helping the smiles of Worcester and the surrounding communities look and feel their best. We’re proud to use the highest quality materials and the latest dental technology to offer excellent dental care. Should you experience a dental emergency, we’re open six days a week and provide flexible financing options so you can get back to enjoying your happy, healthy smile right away. To learn more, we can be contacted via our website or at (508) 753-1911.