When to Repair a Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth

Millions of Americans have a partial denture for one missing tooth. Partial dentures are similar to natural teeth in that sometimes they do not fit well or crack, fracture, or chip. When any of these situations occur, be sure to seek out a dentist to fix the issue quickly. Repairing broken dentures is important for your oral health.

Signs a partial denture repair is needed

Just like natural teeth, dentures do not function properly if they are damaged. They may need to be adjusted if they do not fit properly in your mouth, because ill-fitting dentures are more likely to be damaged due to wear and tear. If your dentures have any visible cracks or fractures, it is important to seek dental care immediately because the issue could get worse if it is not fixed quickly.

Partial dentures for one missing tooth can be damaged by a wide variety of factors, including:

• Wear and tear: Older dentures are more likely to chip and break because they have been well-used.
• Impact: Dentures tend to fracture if you drop them accidentally, and you should have them analyzed by a dentist soon after the incident to ensure they are still in good condition.
• Poor fit: When dentures do not fit right, they cannot withstand the pressure put on them when you chew, so they may crack or break.

Reasons to get a partial denture repaired

A cracked or broken denture may not be painful because it is not your natural tooth. If you are not in pain, you may be tempted to not bother getting the partial denture for one missing tooth repaired in an effort to save money. This is a bad idea because the condition of your dentures impacts oral functions such as talking and chewing. You may not be able to eat your favorite foods or pronounce certain words correctly if you have broken dentures. Ignoring the issue could also cause you to need more extensive repairs in the future.

Types of partial denture repairs

Dentists use several methods to repair damaged dentures. If the damage is caused by a poor fit, dentists may use relining or rebasing to adjust the way your dentures fit against your gums. Appliances that require general repairs due to wear and tear often need to be recast and replaced or patched with new material. In some cases, dentists can patch cracked dentures with new material and apply a special sealant to prevent future damage and preserve the structure of the existing piece.