Dentures are essential for restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. So, when they break, it can feel urgent, but does it count as a true dental emergency? The answer depends on the situation. While not all broken dentures require immediate emergency care, some cases do need prompt attention.
When It’s Not an Emergency
In many cases, a broken denture—such as a small crack, chip, or loose tooth—can wait a day or two for a repair appointment. While inconvenient, these issues don’t usually pose an immediate risk to your health.
However, even minor damage shouldn’t be ignored. Wearing damaged dentures can lead to discomfort, poor fit, and irritation of your gums over time.
When It Is an Emergency
A broken denture may be considered a dental emergency if it causes pain, injury, or prevents you from functioning normally. For example:
- Sharp edges that cut or irritate your gums.
- A completely broken denture that makes eating or speaking very difficult.
- Damage that leads to sores or inflammation in your mouth.
In some cases, poorly fitting or broken dentures can contribute to infections like oral thrush, especially if they cause ongoing irritation or aren’t cleaned properly.
If you’re experiencing pain, bleeding, or signs of infection, it’s best to contact your dentist as soon as possible.
What to Do If Your Denture Breaks
If your denture is damaged, avoid trying to fix it yourself with glue or household adhesives. These products are not safe for use in the mouth and can cause further damage or health risks.
Instead, remove the denture and store it safely in a container to prevent additional breakage. If you have a backup denture, you can use it temporarily.
Call your dentist to schedule a repair. In many cases, dentures can be fixed quickly—sometimes even the same day—depending on the extent of the damage.
Preventing Future Breaks
To reduce the risk of damage, always handle your dentures carefully. Clean them over a soft surface or a sink filled with water to cushion accidental drops. Store them in a protective case when not in use, and avoid exposing them to hot water, which can warp the material.
Regular dental visits are also important. Your dentist can check the fit of your dentures and make adjustments to prevent stress points that could lead to cracks or breaks.
A broken denture isn’t always a dental emergency, but it should never be ignored. The level of urgency depends on your symptoms and how the damage affects your daily life. If in doubt, it’s always best to contact your dentist. Prompt care can restore your comfort and help you get back to smiling, speaking, and eating with ease.
About the Author
Dr. Phillip Sehnert has been practicing dentistry for an impressive nearly 40 years! He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, where he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class, before completing a general practice residency at Ehrling Bergquist Regional Medical Center at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Sehnert continually takes continuing education courses and maintains memberships in professional organizations to stay current in his field, including the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. If you’d like dentures to repair your smile, book online or call our Lewisville office at (972) 420-0042.