Can a Broken Tooth on a Denture Be Repaired?
Dentures go through a lot of wear and tear. Unlike natural teeth made from strong enamel, denture teeth are not as strong and are prone to breaking or chipping. From eating hard foods or dropping your dentures in the sink or on the floor, there are many ways a tooth can break off. When that happens, there are things you should do to make sure your dentures get repaired as soon as possible.
Broken or chipped dentures
For denture wearers, a chipped or broken tooth is a serious matter and requires prompt repair. When denture teeth break, it can have a lasting impact on the denture wearer’s ability to chew and speak. The bite of the dentures will also become compromised and may cause discomfort. When it comes to repairing chipped or broken denture teeth, denture wearers should not try to repair them on their own. Instead, the first steps one should do after breaking or cracking a tooth include the following:
- Gather broken pieces, including wiring and pieces of the chipped or broken tooth
- Wearers should use dental wax if clasps or wiring becomes uncomfortable or loose. This prevents irritation along the gums because the wax acts as a temporary barrier
- Remove dentures and soak them in a soaking solution or storage case until they are taken to the dentist. Wearers should not wear damaged dentures
- Contact a dentist
Repair kits
In some cases, wearers may be able to temporarily fix a damaged denture tooth with an over-the-counter repair kit. However, repair kits only offer a temporary fix, so broken dentures will still have to be delivered to a dentist or prosthodontist for proper repair. Dentures treated with an over-the-counter repair kit may also make it difficult for dentists or prosthodontists to repair any damage. Before repairing a tooth that has been temporarily fixed with a repair kit, dentists or prosthodontists will have to remove any temporary adhesive the wearer applied.
Wearers should also remember that repairing cracked dentures on their own may result in the need for a full denture replacement. Over-the-counter repair kits are only a good idea if a cracked or broken tooth can be fitted back in place exactly like it was before it broke. If wearers make a mistake while fixing a broken tooth with a repair kit, a dentist or prosthodontist may not be able to properly fix the tooth. As a result, wearers will either have to pay for a new pair of dentures or deal with the bite being off in the damaged dentures.
Denture replacement
In most cases, chipped or broken denture teeth can be repaired without a problem. Typically, a dentist or prosthodontist will remove the damaged tooth and replace it with a new tooth after taking the proper measurements and matching the color to the rest of the denture teeth. From there, the new tooth is attached to the denture. However, if the damage is extensive, wearers may have to get an entirely new pair of dentures. This decision is usually made during a consultation with a dentist or prosthodontist.
Do not panic when a denture tooth breaks
When you break a denture tooth, the first step to repairing it is not to panic. There are temporary ways to repair your dentures. Your dentist can also offer a more permanent solution. If you recently damaged a denture tooth, contact a dentist today.
Request an appointment here: or call Campbell Smile at (408) 379-0851 for an appointment in our Campbell office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Prevent Further Damage Of A Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth is not always a serious dental condition unless the damage reaches the pulp chamber. However, that does not mean it is okay to ignore a chipped tooth simply because it is not causing pain. The most likely part of a tooth to be affected by a chip is the outer layer known as…
Caring For Your Invisalign Trays
Those looking to straighten their teeth discreetly and fast can opt for the Invisalign® system. This teeth straightening treatment employs a set of clear aligner trays to correct teeth alignment and bite. Once the treatment starts, it is necessary to take proper care of the Invisalign trays to keep them in good shape.The following goes…
When Is A Root Canal Recommended?
Looking for more information on root canal therapy? Root canals are special dental procedures that are necessary in order to save and restore one’s oral health. While they do have a reputation for being painful, current dental technology has allowed for an easy, painless procedure. Keep reading to learn when a root canal may be…
Important Information About Adult Orthodontics
Once you are grown, you may assume that it is too late for adult Orthodontics. However, it is never too late for you to improve the appearance of your smile. Even though many people get braces as teens, adults can also take care of their smile. This can improve the quality of your life.Patients’ jaws…
Recent Posts
Prevent Further Damage Of A Chipped Tooth
A chipped tooth is not always a serious dental condition unless the damage reaches the pulp chamber. However, that does not mean it is okay to ignore a chipped tooth simply because it is not causing pain. The most likely part of a tooth to be affected by a chip is the outer layer known as…
Caring For Your Invisalign Trays
Those looking to straighten their teeth discreetly and fast can opt for the Invisalign® system. This teeth straightening treatment employs a set of clear aligner trays to correct teeth alignment and bite. Once the treatment starts, it is necessary to take proper care of the Invisalign trays to keep them in good shape.The following goes…