When you hear the words “dental emergency,” what comes to mind? For many patients, it’s cracked teeth, lost fillings, and painful toothaches. And while all of these are common examples, other (not so painful) occurrences are classified as dental emergencies as well, like broken dentures. After all, even a small crack can prevent you from smiling, chewing, and even speaking clearly. With this in mind, read on to learn what to do if you find yourself with a broken denture in North Central San Antonio.
Common Causes of Broken Dentures
Dentures today aren’t only lifelike, they are extremely durable as well. However, they are by no means indestructible. Not only can daily wear and tear cause a fracture, but temperature variations from hot and cold beverages can also leave them vulnerable to damage. Perhaps the biggest culprit is ill-fitting dentures, however. Overtime, jawbone deterioration causes changes to the facial structure, putting an immense amount of pressure on your dentures. What may start as a small crack can quickly develop into a large one that makes them virtually useless.
7 Must-Know Prevention Tactics
To prolong the lifespan of your dentures, you must care for them properly both in and out of your mouth. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy task thanks to the below best practices:
- Prioritize your oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing any remaining teeth you have
- Clean your dentures morning and night with a denture-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste
- Soak your dentures overnight in a dentist-approved cleaner
- Visit your dentist every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning
- Avoid poor dental habits, like using tobacco products
- Limit hard, crunchy foods, like peanut brittle
- Keep your dentures in a protective case when they aren’t in use
What to Do If Your Denture Breaks
If your dentures break, contact your dental team right away (even if it’s just a small chip). From there, they’ll be able to walk you through the next best steps, whether you need to gather the missing pieces or come in for a same-day appointment. Under no circumstance should you attempt to remedy the situation on your own by continuing to use your broken dentures or gluing them back together with a household item, like superglue. This can significantly damage your oral health.
When your denture breaks, call your dentist. Not only will this ensure you get them repaired or replaced as soon as possible, but it will also give you your fully functional smile back sooner rather than later!
About the Practice
Generation after generation, Legacy Dental SA has built a one-of-a-kind dental experience on friendly service, a comfortable atmosphere, and the latest technology has to offer – delivered by a top-notch team, of course! Whether you accidentally broke your denture or it’s simply time for a replacement, Dr. Brian L. Eck and Dr. Reagan Smith are just one phone call away. If you’d like to schedule an appointment or are looking for an emergency dentist in North Central San Antonio, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 210-361-8905.
