Tooth loss detracts from your daily quality of life in several ways. For example, you might feel self-conscious about the changes to your appearance. Not only that, but you could develop an altered diet or speech patterns, which can affect your general health and ability to communicate.
Thankfully, your dentist can replace your missing teeth with customized dentures. These prosthetics can last 5 to 10+ years if cared for correctly, but what happens if they break? Is it considered an emergency? Continue reading to learn why you should contact your dentist sooner rather than later to repair your restoration!
Why Did My Dentures Break?
Would you be surprised to learn that your jawbone thins after tooth loss? Without roots to activate new bone growth when you bite down, it can lose up to 25% of its mass within one year of teeth falling out.
Your dentures are designed to fit like a glove and rely on a firm suction against the bony ridges in your mouth to remain put. As your jaw thins, there’s less for them to anchor to, and they can become destabilized. From there, they might fall out and become chipped, cracked, or broken. They might even slip through your fingertips during cleanings and be injured during the fall.
They can also be harmed if you eat something too hard or sticky, which can damage the materials, or expose the foundation to hot water, which can warp it so it no longer fits. Finally, leaving your restoration to dry out overnight or for long periods during the day can cause hairline fractures or outright breakage.
Are Broken Dentures an Emergency?
Regardless of the reason for your damaged dentures, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. You might not think of it as an emergency, but wearing them in their current condition could cut the tender tissues inside your mouth. They might also not form a tight enough bond to remain firmly in place, and can rub blisters into your gums, making them uncomfortable to wear.
To avoid additional injuries that might require more complex or costly procedures to repair, it’s best to call your provider as soon as you notice the damage to your restoration.
How Should I Handle Broken Dentures?
Many patients are tempted to try store-bought repair kits to fix their injured dentures, but this isn’t recommended. They may contain helpful supplies, but you lack your dentist’s expertise and knowledge. You likely won’t know exactly how much material to use or where to place it for an ideal outcome. In fact, you might make matters worse and throw off your bite alignment, which can result in additional TMJ-related aches.
If something has happened and you can’t wear your dentures as usual, it’s best to call your provider and avoid wearing them until the issue has been resolved.
About the Practice
At Salvaggio Dentistry, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists dedicated to helping you build and maintain your healthiest, most beautiful smiles. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages and speak multiple languages to help you feel welcome. Then, they take the time to get to know you so they can tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs. Their caring approach is combined with state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate results meant to last. If your dentures broke, you can request an appointment on the website or call (289) 569-0721.