See your dentist if your dentures break, crack, chip, or if one of the teeth becomes loose. A dentist can often make the necessary adjustments or repairs on the same day. A person who lacks the proper training will not be able to reconstruct the denture. This can cause greater damage to the denture and may cause problems in your mouth. Glue sold over-the-counter often contains harmful chemicals and should not be used on dentures.
The repair should be performed by a licensed dentist who has the proper care, skill, knowledge and expertise to evaluate the problem and correct it. The dentist should examine your mouth and teeth, along with the denture, to determine the cause of the fracture and to advise you of conditions that may have contributed to the fracture. You may also be advised of the potential for refracture of your denture, even with a careful repair.
It is best to have a dentist evaluate and fix any problem with your dentures. If they are cracked, broken, or a tooth is broken or out; your dentist can advise you as to the appropriate treatment. If they can be repaired your dentist will work with a dental laboratory to fix your denture. If you try to glue a tooth back in and do not get it in the right place, it can affect the rest of your dentures. Also if the tooth is not in the correct position it could affect how your teeth come together. This could cause difficulty in chewing and/or pain in your jaw joint (TMJ). Sometimes dentures cannot be repaired and require new dentures.
Also, if you don't get the parts back together correctly, you may create sores on your gums or problems with your bite. It's harder than you might think to put the pieces back together the right way. Some materials people use also make it harder to properly repair your denture when you do finally see a dentist.
Many times it will be required to be sent to a dental laboratory for a long term repair. The dentist will examine your dentures to evaluate the reason why it is in need of repair and if it will be successful for long term wear.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.