Are Broken Dentures a Dental Emergency?

Your dentures don’t just give you a beautiful smile, they are a vital tool for helping you speak clearly and eat a nutritious diet. Thus, if they become damaged, it can be very difficult to stay healthy and strong.  If you have a broken prosthetic, here’s why it’s considered a dental emergency, and why you should seek help from your emergency dentist as soon as possible!

What Causes Dentures to Break?

There are many reasons why your dentures may break, and many ways they can become damaged. Whether you’ve got broken or missing crowns, a warped or cracked base due to lack of moisture, or they simply don’t fit anymore, these are all important reasons to see your dentist as soon as you can.

Can My Dentures Be Fixed?

Whether or not your dentures can be repaired depends on the kind of damage they’ve incurred and the severity of that damage. Certain parts such as broken crowns can often be replaced, while an improper fit may just need a reline. Unfortunately, in most cases, damage due to a dried-out base may require a total replacement.

If you do notice any damage to your prosthetics, don’t delay getting them fixed, as this can cause problems to worsen and increase your risk of soft tissue damage. Your dentist can determine whether your dentures are fixable, or if you need a new pair.

Preventing Denture Damage

While it’s not always possible to prevent every accident, here are a few important ways you can lower your risk of damaging your dentures, so they last as long as possible:

• Be sure to line your sink with a towel and fill the basin with water before removing your dentures to clean them. This will cushion their fall if you accidentally drop them.
• Brush them twice a day and floss them once a day as you would your real teeth.
• Remove your dentures before you go to bed each night and keep them soaking in a glass of water or denture soak when they are not in your mouth.
• Visit your dentist for your regular, biannual exam and cleaning appointments, even if you have no remaining natural teeth.
• Never use your dentures to chew anything other than food and avoid foods that are very crunchy or sticky.
• See your dentist as soon as possible if you notice any damage or fit changes.

Remember, your dentures are vitally important in helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid malnutrition. If they are damaged or you can no longer wear them comfortably, this is considered a dental emergency, and you should see your dentist as soon as possible for help.

About Our Practice

At Souris Valley Dental Group, our skilled and caring team of dentists are proud to help patients near Velva with their oral health care. Whether you have all your natural teeth, are missing a few, or have a full set of dentures, we offer a variety of treatments that will keep your smile looking great and functioning properly.

To schedule an appointment for dentures, please visit our website, or call us today at 701-852-5595.