Is a Broken Denture an Emergency?

When you break or knock out a natural tooth, it’s immediately obvious that you have a dental emergency on your hands. But what about when you break a denture? Even though a broken denture isn’t quite as urgent or painful as other dental emergencies, you still need to seek professional care right away. Read on to learn why it’s important to call your emergency dentist as soon as possible if your denture breaks.

Does a Broken Denture Count as an Emergency?

Definitely! Without a properly working denture, so many aspects of your day-to-day life become difficult or even impossible. For one, being able to chew most foods is out of the question, so you start to miss out on vital nutrients. Also, your teeth play a key role in speech. If your dentures are unwearable, you may accidentally mumble or slur your words. Not to mention, your self-confidence can take a nosedive if you don’t have a complete smile.

In short, a broken denture is absolutely a dental emergency.

Can You Repair a Broken Denture on Your Own?

You may have seen denture repair kits at your local pharmacy. Using one of these kits might seem like a timesaving, cost-effective solution, but it could actually end up doing more harm than good. Each denture is meticulously designed to fit the unique contours of your mouth, and attempting DIY denture repair could damage your prosthetic to the point that your dentist is unable to provide professional repair. For this reason, your best bet for handling a broken denture is to contact your dentist promptly.

How Your Dentist Can Help with a Broken Denture

Your dentist wants to get you back to enjoying functional dentures again as soon as possible. Over the phone, let them know what happened and they’ll work to get you seen quickly, often that same day. During your visit, the dentist will examine your prosthetic and determine the best course of action. Sometimes, they might be able to repair the denture right then and there. If the damage is too extensive, though, your denture may need to be sent to a laboratory or even replaced altogether.

Afterward, your dentist may provide tips for minimizing the risk that your denture will break in the future. They might even suggest securing your denture onto dental implants, which prevents them from slipping and falling out of your mouth.

If your denture breaks, treat it as a dental emergency. Reach out to your dentist to schedule an appointment immediately after your denture becomes damaged.

About the Author

Dr. Bita Kamali earned her dental doctorate from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2000 and has completed extensive continuing education courses in a variety of dental specialties, including dentures. At Parkway Vista Dental, she offers same-day emergency dental care in Plano, TX. If you’re dealing with a broken denture, she’ll work to get your smile back to normal before you know it! You can get in touch with Dr. Kamali by calling 972-818-1300.