When you think of what constitutes an emergency, you might imagine a situation that’s life-threatening or could result in a serious injury. In the case of a dental emergency, things like a painful tooth infection would fit into that category. But what about if you break your denture? Although it may not seem all that urgent, damaged prosthetics can be more serious than you think. Here’s why, and what you should do if it happens to you!
The Importance of Dentures
Your dentures do so much more than restore your smile. They help you eat and speak clearly, allowing you to enjoy many more of the nutritious, delicious foods you love than you would without a full set of teeth. This in turn prevents a variety of serious health problems, including indigestion and even malnutrition.
Dentures also help you communicate by providing the correct spaces for your tongue to touch your teeth and make certain sounds. Conversing freely is important, especially as you get older, as it allows you to accurately convey your needs in a variety of serious situations.
What to Do if Your Denture Breaks
If you’ve broken a denture, it’s important to see your dentist for help as soon as possible. Don’t waste time going to the urgent care or emergency room, as they are generally not equipped with the right staffing or equipment to handle dental emergencies. Instead, call (or have someone else call) your dentist’s office and arrange for an emergency appointment. Never attempt to glue your dentures back together with superglue or other household products, as these are not intended to go in your mouth and could make you very sick. They can also make it harder to repair the dentures if your dentist is able to fix them.
In some cases, your dentures may be able to be repaired, depending on the type and severity of the damage. However, it is also possible that you may need to replace them, especially if they are older and already showing signs of wear.
Remember, while it may not seem like that big of a deal, the truth is that a broken denture is a dental emergency and should be treated with the urgency it deserves. If you have damaged your prosthetic, don’t feel like you’re burdening your dentist with an urgent visit. The ability to eat and speak is vital to your survival, and your dentist is here to help make that possible.
About Our Practice
At Beck Dental Care, we know how important it is to have a complete smile. That’s why we’re proud to offer a variety of restorations including dentures to help complete the missing spaces in your arches and allow you to enjoy a healthy diet and the ability to communicate clearly. Whether you have a damaged denture or if it’s simply time for a new pair, don’t hesitate to call us as soon as possible at 931-416-3698, or visit our website.