Dentures aren’t exactly real teeth, so if you’ve damaged yours, you might be wondering how urgent the issue actually is. Here’s the short answer: broken dentures are a dental emergency! Even small chips or fractures can negatively affect your oral health, and you can’t fix it yourself with superglue. You need to get a professional on the case as soon as possible so you can eat and talk safely.
To learn more about what makes broken dentures a dental emergency and what you should do instead of DIY, keep reading.
When Dentures Are Lookin’ Sharp
Sharp-looking dentures are problematic when this expression is used in a more literal sense. Any jagged edges created by the damage can poke your gums and soft oral tissues. This will likely be irritating, but small cuts are also more vulnerable to infection – especially when they’re near your pie-hole!
Denture Damage: Not Ideal for Your Diet
Depending on how badly your dentures are broken, it might not be the best idea to put them back in your mouth. This means potentially going days without your dental replacements. Besides being significantly inconvenient, difficulties eating and chewing can affect your nutrition in a bad way. It’s best to restore your dentures as soon as possible so you don’t risk suffering symptoms of malnutrition.
What to Do About Broken Dentures
Simple! Call your emergency dentist. In fact, call them before trying to do anything else with your dentures, like repairing them yourself or putting them back in your mouth. Do-it-yourself fixes could create more problems, no matter how many online commenters swear by one remedy or another. And as pointed out earlier, jagged edges can harm your mouth.
Your emergency dentist can get a sense of the situation when you describe it over the phone, and can walk you through any possible temporary solutions that will effectively address your specific breakage. They’ll also let you know whether it’s safe to wear your dentures while you wait for professional repairs or replacement. Following their instructions is your best course of action!
When Will I Get My Replacement Teeth Back?
It depends on the damage. Sometimes dentures can be fully restored with minor fixes or fit adjustments, in which case you might get them back on a same-day basis. Major breaks will likely require more care, which means a longer waiting time. The same can be said if you need to replace your dentures entirely.
Whatever your situation calls for, you can be rest assured that your dentist will keep you informed. They understand the importance of your replacement teeth and will provide you with a temporary set if necessary. Call them as soon as possible so they can take care of you and your denture needs!
About the Practice
As spouses, Drs. Joyce and John Warwick make an excellent team. They each have their own specialties and work together seamlessly to ensure patients receive the best care possible. If your dentures are broken, don’t hesitate to contact their office. Dr. Joyce and Dr. John will come to your aid with prompt and efficient assistance!