Partial dentures are a common dental solution for replacing missing teeth. They are designed to restore function and appearance, helping with chewing, speaking, and overall comfort. However, accidents happen, and sometimes a partial denture may break or become damaged, especially if it is old, worn, or not properly fitted. A broken partial denture can be uncomfortable and may affect your ability to chew and speak clearly. Knowing what to do in an emergency can help you manage the situation until you can get the proper repairs.
In this blog, well discuss the immediate steps to take if your partial denture breaks, how to minimize further damage, and when to seek professional help.
Common Causes of Broken Partial Dentures
Partial dentures can break for various reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
Accidental Impact: Dropping the denture, or accidental trauma (such as a fall or hit), can cause it to crack or break.
Wear and Tear: Over time, partial dentures can become weak or brittle due to the materials breaking down, leading to cracks or fractures.
Improper Fit: If the partial denture is not properly fitted, it may put too much pressure on certain areas, causing stress on the appliance, which can result in breakage.
Chewing Hard Foods: Biting into something too hard, such as ice, nuts, or hard candies, can put excess pressure on the dentures, causing them to break.
Poor Maintenance: Not cleaning partial dentures regularly can lead to plaque buildup, which can weaken the material and contribute to damage.
Immediate Steps to Take When Your Partial Denture Breaks
If your partial denture breaks unexpectedly, follow these steps to manage the situation and prevent further damage:
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Damage
The first thing to do is to remain calm. While its understandably frustrating to experience a broken denture, staying composed will help you manage the situation better. Assess the extent of the damage:
Is the denture cracked or fully broken?
Are there any loose or missing teeth on the denture?
Are there sharp edges or pieces that could potentially injure your gums or mouth?
2. Remove the Broken Denture
Carefully remove the broken partial denture from your mouth. Be gentle to avoid further damaging it or injuring your gums or other teeth. If the denture has any sharp edges, remove it slowly to prevent cuts in your mouth.
Check for Broken Pieces: If any pieces of the denture have broken off, be sure to collect them. The dentist may be able to repair or reattach the pieces if you bring them in.
Examine for Sharp Edges: If the break has resulted in sharp edges, avoid touching or pressing them against the inside of your mouth to prevent injury.
3. Clean the Denture and Store It Safely
If you can remove the broken partial denture in one piece, clean it gently using warm water (not hot, as this may cause further damage). Use a soft cloth or towel to dry it, and store it safely in a clean container or case to prevent it from getting lost.
Do Not Use Super Glue: It may be tempting to try and repair the denture yourself with super glue or other adhesives, but this is not recommended. Most adhesives can harm the material of the denture and cause further damage. Super glue is not intended for dental use, and it may be toxic if it comes in contact with your mouth.
4. Protect Your Gums and Mouth
While waiting for professional repair or replacement, its important to avoid further irritation to your mouth. If there are any rough edges, you can use dental wax (available in most pharmacies) to cover the sharp areas and prevent them from injuring the inside of your lips, cheeks, or gums.
Avoid Eating on the Affected Side: If possible, try not to chew with the side of your mouth where the partial denture was. Chewing could worsen the damage or cause further irritation to your mouth.
Use Temporary Solutions for Eating: If you must eat, stick to soft foods that do not require heavy chewing. Soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies are good options.
5. Contact Your Dentist Immediately
Once the immediate damage has been assessed and you’ve ensured the broken denture is stored safely, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Even if you dont experience pain or discomfort, a broken partial denture needs to be repaired or replaced promptly to restore function and prevent further issues.
Describe the Damage: Let your dentist know the specifics of the break (whether its a crack, missing teeth, etc.) so they can prepare for the necessary repairs or adjustments.
Request an Urgent Appointment: If the damage is severe, request an urgent appointment to avoid prolonged discomfort and ensure proper dental care.
What to Expect When You See a Dentist for a Broken Partial Denture
Your dentist will assess the extent of the damage and recommend an appropriate course of action based on the condition of the partial denture. Possible treatments may include:
1. Repairing the Denture
If the break is relatively minor, the dentist may be able to repair the denture using dental materials designed for this purpose. The repair may involve bonding or reattaching broken pieces to restore the denture’s functionality.
Advantages: Quick and cost-effective, especially for minor breaks.
Considerations: The repair may not always be as durable as a brand-new denture, depending on the extent of the damage.
2. Relining or Adjusting the Fit
If the denture is not fitting properly, the dentist may suggest relining the denture to ensure it fits securely and comfortably. This process involves adding material to the inner surface of the denture to improve its fit.
Advantages: Provides a better fit and comfort.
Considerations: This may not always be necessary if the damage is purely cosmetic or structural.
3. Replacement
In cases of severe damage or when the denture is beyond repair, the dentist may recommend a replacement. If the partial denture is old or the damage is extensive, replacing it with a new one may be the best option to restore both functionality and appearance.
Advantages: A new denture will fit properly and provide better function and comfort.
Considerations: It may take some time for the new denture to be made, and you may need to wear a temporary denture in the meantime.
Preventing Future Breakages of Partial Dentures
To reduce the risk of future breaks or damage to your partial denture, consider the following tips:
Handle with Care: Always handle your partial denture carefully to prevent it from being dropped or damaged. Store it in a secure case when its not in use.
Avoid Hard Foods: Be mindful of hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can cause stress on the denture. Avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or candy.
Regular Check-Ups: Visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your partial denture remains in good condition and properly fitted. Your dentist can make adjustments and repairs as needed.
Proper Cleaning: Clean your partial denture thoroughly each day using a soft toothbrush and denture cleaner. This helps to maintain its durability and prevent plaque buildup.
Conclusion
While a broken partial denture can be distressing, following these immediate steps can help minimize the damage and reduce discomfort until you can see your dentist. The most important actions are to stay calm, remove the denture carefully, avoid further irritation to your mouth, and seek professional care as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to assess the extent of the damage and provide the necessary repairs or replacements to restore your denture’s function and appearance. By taking care of your partial denture and handling it with caution, you can prevent future breakages and ensure that your dental appliance lasts as long as possible.