If you’re a denture veteran, you might sometimes forget that they’re prosthetic – until they break. Suddenly it occurs to you that these are hand-crafted and not made of enamel. A broken tooth is certainly cause for concern, but a broken denture? How harmful could that be?
You still use your dentures for eating and talking, so potentially, pretty harmful. Keep reading to learn what makes your broken denture a dental emergency and what you should do next.
Is A Broken Denture Really a Dental Emergency?
Even if your denture sustained a seemingly small chip or fracture, this could have a huge impact on your mouth. Dentures – especially full dentures – already put strain on your gums because of the way they rest on top. If damage causes your denture teeth to rest awkwardly, you’ll likely shift your bite to compensate. A misaligned bite can cause jaw pain and lead to headaches or a TMJ disorder.
But the issues don’t stop at your jaw! Since your gums support your denture, breakage could irritate them – especially if a partial chip leaves behind jagged fragments! Everyday necessities like eating and talking will become uncomfortable to say the least. Plus, damaged dentures create the perfect hiding place for harmful bacteria, which can increase your risk of complications like gum disease and dental infections.
Okay Then, What Should I Do if I Break a Denture?
Don’t put them back on! At least not until your dentist says it’s safe. Give them a call first. After providing details about the damage, its location, and how it happened, your dentist can determine how soon you need an appointment and whether you should wear your denture in the meantime. They’ll also give you next-step recommendations specific to your situation.
After communicating with your dentist, you can expect them to promptly examine your denture. They might be able to repair your prosthetic the same day. If not, they’ll give you a temporary replacement so you can continue with everyday activities, such as – you know – eating.
Basically, you’re in good hands with your dentist! Ignoring a broken denture or trying to solve the problem on your own is risky. You could very well make the situation worse. But if you take a deep breath, slow down, and ask your dentist for help, they’ll tell you what to do. When in doubt, give them a call!
About the Practice
Drs. Mario DeNicola and Monisha Khanna are ready and willing to help you with your dental emergency! With their combined experience, they’ll repair your broken denture as soon as possible so you can promptly get back to life as usual. For their expert dental emergency services, call 540-432-6616. For more information, explore their website.