When it comes to replacing your missing teeth, dentures are one of the most popular options out there. They are lifechanging for people who are missing most of or all of their teeth, and they have numerous different benefits. However, just like natural teeth, dentures are not immune to damage. They are not your real teeth, but does having broken dentures mean that you should see your emergency dentist in Beverly right away? Continue reading to learn more about how dentures can break and what you should do if this happens to you.
How Do Dentures Become Damaged?
Modern dentures are strong, but they can still become damaged. Here are some of the most common ways that this happens:
- Accident: If you are injured or accidently drop your dentures, they could become damaged.
- Bone Loss: While bone loss does not necessarily cause your dentures to break, it can make them fit poorly.
- Improper Use: The purpose of dentures is to help you smile, chew your food, and hold in saliva. They were not made to be used as bottle openers, scissors, or nail clippers. If you aren’t using them properly, they could break.
- Wear and Tear: Unfortunately, dentures have yet to be made to last forever. They can become worn after many years of use.
What Should You Do with Broken Dentures?
If you have broken dentures, it is a good idea for you to head to your emergency dentist in Beverly as soon as you have the chance. While this isn’t a life-threatening issue, you still will want to have the problem resolved right away. Give your dentist a call to let them know what’s going on. This way, they can schedule you an urgent appointment.
You can find denture repair kits over-the-counter, but this usually isn’t the best idea when it comes to fixing your false teeth. You need to have proper knowledge in order to repair them properly. If you don’t, you could end up accidentally damaging them even further.
What Is the Solution for a Broken Denture?
When you head into the dental office, your dentist will be able to determine the best possible solution depending on the extent of the damage. Here are some of the possible outcomes:
- Reline: When dentures aren’t fitting correctly, often as a result of bone loss, your dentist may suggest that you have them relined. This is when they reshape the underside of your denture in order to make it fit more comfortably on your gums.
- Replace: If your dentures are old and worn, or the damage is beyond repair, your dentist will probably recommend that you have a new one made.
- Dental Implants: You may make a good candidate for dental implant-retained dentures. They offer greater stability, prevent further bone loss, and are more comfortable than traditional dentures.
Just because your life isn’t at risk doesn’t mean that you should put off having your broken dentures looked at. By getting in touch with your dentist, you can quickly get your smile back!
About the Author
Dr. Robert Blake is an experienced dentist who has been serving patients in Beverly for more than 30 years. He earned his dental doctorate from Georgetown University School of Dentistry and has completed more than 1,500 hours of clinical education and training. If you have broken dentures, he would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (978) 927-3515.