Dentures are a lifeline for those seeking to regain a confident smile and proper oral function. However, just like natural teeth, dentures can face emergencies that demand immediate attention.
In this guide, we will delve into common dental emergencies, understanding the issues and causes, along with what you can do at home and when it is imperative to consult a specialist.
If you have dentures and want to stay 2 steps ahead for a potential emergency, here is everything you need to know about what you need to do in a denture emergency.
Fractured or broken denture(s)
Although modern dentures are made from strong materials that are meant to be durable and long lasting, accidents can always happen, and they can fracture or break due to a variety of reasons. Accidental drops, biting on hard foods or general wear and tear can cause your dentures to weaken and break.
What to do:
For a quick fix, denture repair kits available over-the-counter can provide temporary bonding. However, it is important to contact your dental clinician to inform them about the issue, so they can offer an emergency repair solution that is professionally done.
Loose dentures
Loose dentures can cause discomfort and speech problems, making wearing an uncomfortable experience. This issue may arise from changes in the jawbone structure which can occur naturally, poor fitting or general wear over a long period of time.
Wearing loose fitting dentures can actually cause more harm than good, so it is important to ensure you resolve the matter immediately.
What to do:
It is always best to seek advice and treatment from your dental clinician. They can adjust your dentures to fit the shape of your mouth, or they can repair the denture set completely.
Cracked denture base
A cracked denture base can lead to instability and can potentially damage your orally tissues, which can be an uncomfortable experience. There are many reasons why it could become cracked, but one of the main reasons could be due to improper care and storage, or simply dropping your dentures.
What to do:
Avoid using the denture if cracked and resort to a denture repair kit for a temporary solution, seek an emergency denture repair service from your dental clinician.
Odour or bad taste
Dentures may develop an unpleasant odour or taste, causing discomfort and embarrassment. Accumulation of food particles, inadequate cleaning, or bacterial growth on denture surfaces can lead to bacterial issues.
What to do:
Maintain a strict cleaning routine for your dentures and soak them in a denture-cleaning solution. If the issue persists, consult a dentist for a thorough cleaning and examination.
Gum irritation and sore spots
Painful gum irritation or sore spots can develop due to denture friction that occurs when the dentures don’t fit properly. Irritation can lead to discomfort and potential infection, so it is best to fix this issue immediately.
What to do:
Before your appointment, give your gums a break by removing the dentures. Schedule an appointment with a dental clinician to evaluate the fit and make necessary adjustments for comfort. Make sure to pay your dental clinician regular checkup visits to ensure your dentures are fitting properly and are not causing irritation.
Emergency denture repair service
Need an emergency appointment?
Here at Kevin Manners, we offer emergency broken denture repair so our clients can return to enjoying life with a glowing, functional smile.
Contact us for our services today.