Does a Broken Denture Count as a Dental Emergency?

When you imagine a dental emergency, you probably think of something threatening your health. Maybe it’s a severe toothache or an infection that needs root canal treatment. It could also involve the loss of a natural tooth. Whatever the case, you likely believe a broken denture wouldn’t qualify as one. However, you’d be wrong: You should see your dentist for urgent care if your denture breaks. To learn more, here’s a summary of what causes the issue, why it counts as an emergency, and how to respond.

What Causes Broken Dentures?

While today’s dentures are both life-like and durable, they aren’t indestructible. They can and do break from damage. The causes include the following:

• Wear and tear: After years of use, a denture has undergone many stress cycles of chewing and daily wear. Consequently, older ones are at high risk of fracture.
• Bone loss in your jaw: As your jaw shrinks from losing bone, your denture may not fit properly. The resulting lack of stability can cause stress and pressure points that crack it.
• Accidental breakage: Dentures are removed nightly and may fall out during daily activities. Either way, there’s a risk they’ll accidentally break when you take them out of your mouth.

Why is a Broken Denture an Emergency?

Denture problems don’t always come across as serious. After all, you can keep the prosthetic from harming you by keeping it out of your mouth as needed. From there, just schedule a dental visit for an eventual repair.

A broken denture, though, is different. Except for partial models, people use these artificial teeth in daily tasks like chewing food, smiling, or speaking clearly. They won’t be able to do such things when their denture breaks. That being the case, it’s important to get it fixed quickly.

What to Do If Your Denture Breaks

If your dentures break, contact your dental team immediately (even if it’s just a tiny chip). They’ll walk you through the next best steps, whether you need to gather missing pieces or come in for a same-day appointment. Don’t try to solve the situation on your own. Doing so can significantly damage your oral health.

Don’t underestimate the problems that come from a broken denture. Quickly call your dentist so they can restore your smile as soon as possible.

About the Practice

Longview Dental Center is based in Longview, TX. As led by Dr. George Stoddard, their team provides comprehensive dental care for the East Texas area. The practice’s services include preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency treatments. Whether you need teeth cleaning, teeth whitening, or a dental implant, they have you covered. For more information or to book an appointment, reach them at their website or call them at (903)-753-9758.