What To Do When Your Dentures Break
Dentures may be an essential part of daily life for many people, but what happens when they break? Broken dentures can be a common yet inconvenient issue, disrupting your routine and causing discomfort. However, understanding the steps to take immediately after they break can make the situation more manageable.
In this article, we will discuss how to assess the damage, implement temporary solutions and seek professional help to fix dentures effectively.
Immediate Steps
Assessing the Damage
When you realise your dentures are broken, the first step is to carefully assess the damage. Handle the pieces gently to avoid causing further harm and then examine the break to identify the type of damage – is it a minor crack, a broken tooth or a complete break? By understanding the extent of the damage, you can communicate more effectively with your prosthetist and determine the best course of action for denture repairs.
Managing Discomfort and Oral Care
Broken dentures can cause significant discomfort. While waiting for a professional repair, it’s important to manage any pain or discomfort and maintain oral hygiene. Use a soft toothbrush to clean your gums, tongue and any remaining natural teeth. Rinsing with a mild saltwater solution can help keep your mouth clean and reduce irritation. If eating becomes difficult, stick to soft foods and avoid anything that might aggravate the affected area.
Seeking Professional Help and Long-Term Care
When to Contact a Prosthetist
Fixing broken dentures requires professional expertise. Hence, it’s essential to contact your prosthetist as soon as possible after they break. They have the necessary tools and materials to repair them correctly and ensure they fit comfortably again. Delaying professional care can lead to further damage and discomfort, so make an appointment promptly.
Professional Repair Process
Understanding what to expect during the professional repair process can help ease any anxiety you might have. Here are the typical steps involved:
- Assessment of Damage: The prosthetist will first assess the damage to determine the best method for repair.
- Impressions: They might need to take impressions of your mouth to ensure a proper fit after the dentures are fixed.
- Repair Duration: The actual repair process can vary in duration depending on the extent of the damage and the type of dentures.
- Timeline: At Emergency Denture Repairs all repairs can be completed within the same day, as their onsite laboratories allow for a quick and professional turnaround.
Preventing Future Breaks
Preventing future breaks is an essential part of long-term care. Here are some tips to help keep your dentures in good condition:
- Handle with Care: Always handle your dentures over a soft surface or a sink filled with water to prevent damage if they are dropped.
- Clean Properly: Use a denture-specific brush and cleaning solution to keep your dentures clean. Avoid using abrasive toothpaste, which can cause scratches.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Be mindful of the foods you eat. Hard or sticky foods can cause damage to your dentures.
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist or denturist. They can spot potential issues early and provide professional cleaning and maintenance.
Managing Broken Dentures in Perth – Conclusion
The bottom line is that dealing with broken dentures can be stressful, but knowing what steps to take can help you manage the situation effectively. Assessing the damage, using temporary measures and seeking prompt professional help are all crucial for fixing broken dentures. Moreover, preventing future breaks through proper care and regular check-ups will ensure your dentures stay in good condition.
For professional denture repairs and maintenance, trust the experts at Emergency Dental Repair (EDR). Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality care and ensuring your dentures fit comfortably and function properly. Don’t let breakages disrupt your life – contact us today for all your denture repair needs.