You may think that because they’re not your real teeth, breaking a denture is not cause to run out to the dentist immediately. However, dentures are essential to everyday functions like eating, speaking, and smiling. Read on to see why it is recommended that you see a dentist promptly if this happens to you.
What Can Cause a Denture to Break?
- Normal wear and tear: You may think that sturdy materials like plastic, porcelain, and metal are near indestructible, but even these substances lose their strength over years of usage.
- High impact/pressure: A drop from a tall enough height can cause breakage, as can placing a set under heavy pressure.
- The wrong diet: Munching on hard, crunchy snacks like almonds or seeds or chewing on your ice can also weaken and crack dentures.
Why is a Broken Denture a Dental Emergency?
Some patients only require partial dentures to replace one or several missing teeth, while others need a full set and rely on them for run-of-the-mill tasks like talking, smiling, and chewing. Either way, seeing a dentist at your earliest convenience is ideal to avoid disruption to your daily, routine functions.
Without teeth, your diet becomes very limited, and your nutrition and well-being can suffer. Furthermore, a damaged denture can cause harm to your self-esteem and mental health.
It is strongly recommended that you do not attempt any do-it-yourself denture repair using available products on the market. These products can damage your dentures beyond repair, and many contain chemicals that should not go into your mouth.
What Can the Dentist Do for Me?
If you have an extra pair of dentures, wear them until you can see your dentist, but don’t try to wear your broken dentures. Otherwise, you could harm your gums or any remaining teeth. Depending on the severity of the individual case, there are a few options to address the broken set:
- Realignment: If a bad fit was the cause of the tiny crack or break, your dentist may adjust your dentures for a better grip to prevent future breaks. This is a minor procedure that can usually be done on the same day as your emergency visit.
- Repair: Clean breaks may be fixed the same day by a prosthodontist, a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Moderate rifts may need to be sent off to a dental lab to be mended. Your dentist can discuss options while you wait for your original set to be returned. The decision to repair or replace your dentures may depend on how old the dentures are.
- Replacement: Some situations are beyond repair and dictate new dentures entirely. The cost for a new set of dentures varies depending on factors like the type of denture, the materials being used, and the complexity of the work being performed.
While it may not seem like a pressing concern, broken dentures can interfere with simple daily functions. Consult your dentist as soon as possible to discuss options regarding repairs or replacement.
About the Practice
The team at Cornerstone Dental in Fargo has all your denture needs covered, whether it’s partial, full, or All-On-4 sets. Drs. Jessica Majidian and Stacy Goodwill have almost 30 years of experience in services ranging from checkups and cleanings to emergency and cosmetic dentistry and are members of the American Dental Association and the North Dakota Dental Association. Schedule an appointment today by calling the office at (701) 237-3583 or visiting their website.