Tooth Trauma: Are Broken Dentures an Emergency?

Dentures are a popular way to rebuild smiles because they can replace some or all your missing teeth, regardless of how many you have remaining. Plus, they are durable and can last 10 or more years with the right care, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible.

Although durable, the acrylic, gum-colored base and porcelain or resin pontics can become chipped, cracked, or broken. You may not consider your injured dentures a dental emergency, but wearing them can harm your oral health. Continue reading to learn more about why you should schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.

Why Did My Dentures Break?

There are several ways your dentures might be broken, though the most common cause is daily wear and tear that erodes them over time. Years of chewing with them in place and exposing them to hot and cold foods and drinks can eventually break down the materials. This is especially true if you consume lots of overly hard foods that can abrade the materials when you bite into them, or sticky candies and sweets that attract plaque-inducing bacteria to cling to your prosthetics.

However, they might also break if you accidentally drop them during cleanings, as they can become quite slippery when they’re covered in soap and water. They can also sustain damage if they become dislodged mid-meal or during a conversation and land on a hard enough surface.

Are Broken Dentures a Dental Emergency?

If you’ve noticed that your restoration has been harmed, but it doesn’t seem like a major break, you might think it’s safe to continue wearing them as usual. Unfortunately, wearing injured dentures can harm your dental health because they can cut the tender tissues inside your mouth, which is both irritating and can cause an infection.

Furthermore, cracks in the base can lead to ill-fitting dentures that rub sores on your connective tissues, causing slurred speech or a lisp. Not only could this result in gum disease, but it can also leave you feeling self-conscious about the changes in your ability to enunciate. You might feel tempted to fix your prosthetic with household supplies, like super glue, but many such products are not intended for oral use and can be toxic if ingested, which only makes matters worse.  

How Should I Handle Broken Dentures?

Contact your dentist as soon as you notice your restoration is damaged, so they can schedule an appropriate appointment. Then, if possible, avoid wearing them, but be sure to take them with you when you arrive at the designated time. If you have a spare set of dentures, you’re welcome to wear them in the meantime until your primary pair is repaired, relined, or replaced.

Although broken dentures might not seem like an emergency, addressing the issue sooner rather than later can prevent potential problems!

About the Practice

Patients at Drennan Family Dentistry benefit from two dentists who share 40+ years of combined experience. Dr. Drennan and Dr. Carlson provide a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages to streamline your family’s dental care. They establish lasting relationships so they can tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate results meant to last. Whether you need to replace missing teeth or have damaged dentures that need immediate attention, they are happy to help! You can request an appointment on the website or call (817) 732-5522.