Your teeth, whether they’re your natural pearly whites or replacement ones, help you eat, speak, and smile. Without them, it’s difficult to get on with your daily life. That’s why, if you have accidentally damaged your denture, whether it’s cracked, scratched, or broken, you should call an emergency dentist for timely assistance. Read on to learn more about what to do in this situation and why urgent help is necessary.
Why is a Broken Denture Considered an Emergency?
If you broke one of your natural teeth, would you call an emergency dentist? Of course! Your denture functions as your smile, which is why it’s important to seek out urgent assistance if it becomes broken or damaged. Because it can cause big disruptions to your daily life, fast repair is crucial. Additionally, trying to wear damaged dentures can increase your risk of developing oral infections like thrush, or uncomfortable and inflamed oral sores.
To reduce your risk of these possible effects of wearing broken dentures and make sure you have a functional smile, call your emergency dentist in Novi for a same-day visit.
How Can an Emergency Dentist Help Repair a Broken Denture?
Depending on whether your denture is broken in half, cracked, scratched, or damaged in another way, your emergency dentist may be able to repair it in-office. In some cases, this can even be done the day of your visit. It’s important that you don’t try to repair your dentures yourself at home, because this could make it impossible for your dentist to do so!
If the damage to your denture is too extensive to repair, you may require a replacement. However, if it can be repaired, your dentist may also recommend that they get relined to ensure they fit safely and securely within the mouth.
3 Ways to Keep Your Dentures Safe
It’s not uncommon for dentures to break, which is why it’s important to take proper steps to keep them safe. Some preventive measures you can take are:
- Never leave your dentures out where they are vulnerable to pets or children. Full dentures should always be stored in a glass of water when they’re not in the mouth and partials should be stored in their hard, protective case.
- When cleaning your dentures, never place them directly on the countertop afterwards. Place a clean washcloth underneath them to keep them from accidentally slipping off.
- Never use abrasive toothpaste or cleanser on them. This could cause surface scratches that shelter bacteria.
If you have any questions about caring for your prosthetic or would like helpful tips, the best person to speak with is your dentist at your routine checkups and cleanings! They can also professionally clean and examine your dentures at these visits to make sure they stay in tip-top shape.
About the Author
Dr. Justin Geller has been practicing dentistry for over two decades, which means he’s basically seen it all! His experience, combined with his extensive training, allows him to offer most treatments in-house. He also understands that accidents can happen, which is why he offers same-day emergency appointments for patients in pain or in need of urgent attention. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit JMG Dentistry’s website or call 248-926-4030.