Dentures are completely life-changing for people who are missing teeth. They allow these people to bite, talk, and smile much more easily than they’re able to without them. If you’ve been wearing dentures for years at this point, you may honestly not feel right without having them in.
That’s why you may wonder whether their breaking constitutes a dental emergency, one that should be addressed immediately by your dentist. Here’s what you should know.
Are Broken Dentures a Dental Emergency?
Given the incredibly important roles that dentures play in the lives of people who need them, most dentists would be happy to see you for an emergency appointment if yours are broken. If you notice a crack, fracture, or an outright split in your prosthetic, it’s typically a good idea to call your dentist and see whether they can see you the same day.
Is It Possible To Repair My Dentures Myself?
You may have noticed that pharmacies sell DIY denture repair kits that claim to allow patients to fix their prosthetics themselves. However, the truth is that dentures are sophisticated prosthetics that are put under a lot of pressure on a day-to-day basis.
If you try and fix yours yourself, you’re unlikely to give them back the stability they need to perform well. The more likely outcome is that you’ll accidentally damage the prosthetic, or make it harder for your dentist to make repairs.
What Will Happen at an Emergency Appointment?
How your dentist decides to proceed will come down to a judgment call on their part as to whether the damage can be repaired in-house. In the case of minor cracks, your dentist may repair your prosthetic during the appointment.
If you’re dealing with more significant damage, like if the dentures have been split in two, your dentist may recommend sending them to the lab for repairs. In some cases, they may just create another prosthetic from scratch.
About the Author
Dr. Ramona Rivera has always had a passion for helping people, and she’s happy that she can do that by making use of her remarkable dental skills. She loves being able to get to know her patients on a personal level and uses her warm attitude to put all kinds of people at ease. Dr. Rivera received her degree from the NYU School of Dentistry and is a graduate of the Loma Linda Maxi Dental Implant Program. She is a member of the Sacramento Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.
If you have any questions about a broken denture, she can be reached at her website or by phone at (916) 967-2217.