Gather necessary materials and tools
Dentures are a popular oral prosthesis that many people use to replace missing teeth. They are a convenient option because they are removable and relatively affordable compared to other dental restorations. However, like natural teeth, dentures also suffer from wear and tear. One of the most common problems with dentures is a broken tooth. Fortunately, you can fix a broken denture tooth at home with the right tools and materials. Here are the necessary items that you will need:
- Denture tooth repair kit
- Disposable gloves
- Damp cloth
- Bowl of water
- Toothbrush
The first item on the list is an essential tool to fix broken denture teeth. The denture tooth repair kit contains everything you need to replace a missing tooth. The kit typically comes with replacement teeth, dental adhesive, and tools for shaping and fitting. You can easily find a denture tooth repair kit at your local pharmacy or online. They are relatively inexpensive and can save you a lot of money and time compared to getting your dentures repaired by a dental professional.
The next item on the list is disposable gloves. If you are handling your dentures, it is vital to keep them clean and sterilized. Wearing gloves can help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria that may cause oral infections. You can easily find disposable gloves at your local pharmacy or grocery store. They come in different sizes and types, so choose one that is comfortable and fits your hands correctly.
The damp cloth is also a crucial tool in fixing your broken denture tooth. It will help you clean the area around the tooth and remove any debris or food particles. It is advisable to use a soft, damp cloth to avoid scratching or damaging the surface of your dentures.
The bowl of water is essential when using dental adhesive. It will help you soften the glue and make it more comfortable to handle. You can also use the water to rinse your dentures after repairing the broken tooth.
The last item on the list is a toothbrush. After fixing your dentures’ broken tooth, it is essential to clean and brush them thoroughly. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the surface of your dentures. You can also use denture cleaners or mild soapy water to clean your dentures effectively.
In conclusion, fixing a broken denture tooth is a manageable task that you can do at home with the right tools and materials. By gathering the necessary items on the list, you can save money and time by avoiding a visit to the dental clinic. However, it is essential to remember that denture repairs are temporary and may need professional attention. If your dentures’ broken tooth persists or gets worse, seek professional advice from your dentist or denturist.
Clean The Broken Denture Tooth
One of the essential steps that you need to take when fixing your broken denture tooth is to ensure that it is clean. It is not possible to repair a denture tooth if it’s got dirt or debris on it. This is because the dirt hinders bonding between the broken fragment and the denture’s plastic. Therefore, you need to clean it before starting the fixing process.
There are several cleaning methods you can use to ensure that your denture tooth is spotless. Here are a few methods to help you clean a broken denture tooth at home:
1. Brush the Tooth with Toothpaste
You can clean the broken denture tooth by brushing it with toothpaste. To do this, wet the toothbrush and add a small amount of toothpaste to it. You should then brush the tooth thoroughly, making sure you remove any dirt or debris from the tooth. Brush the tooth gently and avoid scrubbing it too hard because it could cause further damage. Once you are done, rinse the toothbrush and the tooth in warm water.
2. Soak the Tooth in Denture Cleaner
Another way to clean a broken denture tooth is by soaking it in denture cleaner. To do this, you should follow the instructions on the denture cleaner bottle. You will likely need to dilute the solution in water, and then you can soak the broken denture tooth in the solution for the recommended time. After soaking the tooth, use a soft-bristled brush to clean it gently, and then rinse it in water.
3. Rinse the Tooth in Warm Water
Once you have cleaned the broken denture tooth using either of the above methods, make sure you rinse it thoroughly in warm water. This is important because it will remove any soap or denture cleaner residue left on the tooth. After rinsing the tooth, dry it with a clean towel or cloth.
4. Inspect the Tooth for Cracks or Chips
Before proceeding to fix the broken denture tooth, take a closer look at it to see if there are any chips or cracks. If you find any, then you should not attempt to fix it yourself. Instead, you should take it to a dentist who can assess the damage and determine the best course of action.
Cleaning the broken denture tooth is an important step that you cannot ignore when fixing your denture. By following the cleaning methods highlighted in this section, you will have a clean surface where you can bond the broken fragment and the denture’s plastic. Therefore, take your time to ensure that you clean the tooth properly before starting the repair process.
Apply dental adhesive or superglue
If you are suffering from a broken denture teeth, dental adhesive or superglue can help in fixing the problem. This solution is temporary and designed to last until you get a long-lasting dental solution. Please note that this option is not expected to replace professional dental work.
When using dental adhesive or superglue on a broken denture tooth, the first step is to dry the area around the broken tooth. This is important to ensure that the adhesive bonds securely to the tooth. It is also essential to use a clean applicator to apply the adhesive.
If you choose to use dental adhesive, the process is pretty simple. Dental adhesive, also known as denture glue, can be found at your local pharmacy or online. Clean the broken tooth area with a dry cloth, apply the adhesive to the tooth by lightly dabbing, and then press the tooth gently in place. After a few minutes, check it to ensure that it is still firmly in place, and allow it to dry for at least an hour before using your denture.
Using superglue is another option to fix a broken denture tooth at home. However, you should understand that using superglue is not always considered safe. Superglue contains cyanoacrylate, which can cause potential damage to sensitive areas inside your mouth. A small amount of superglue can be effective in adhering the broken tooth segment back onto the denture, but brushing or grinding should be avoided as this can dislodge the bond. Additionally, if you opt to use superglue, please ensure that the cyanoacrylate does not come into contact with your gums or soft tissues in your mouth as it can cause chemical burns and harmful reactions.
Before applying any adhesive or superglue to your broken denture tooth, ensure that the tooth is dry and ensure all the broken pieces fit precisely together before using the glue. Small pieces that do not fit together tightly will not bond correctly, leading to more damage later.
In summary, using dental adhesive or superglue to fix a broken denture tooth is a quick and temporary solution. Still, it is not a permanent fix. If you are experiencing pain or irritation after applying adhesive or superglue, remove the denture immediately and contact a dental professional for advice.
Let the Adhesive Dry and Trim Any Excess Material
After applying the adhesive to the broken tooth, it’s important to let it dry. The drying time may vary depending on the type of adhesive used. Please refer to the instructions provided with the adhesive for recommended drying time. It’s important not to touch or move the broken tooth during the drying process, as this can cause the adhesive to be misplaced, ultimately leading to incorrect tooth placement or even worse, a complete failure of the repair attempt. In the meantime, you could take out the dentures and place them in a safe place, to avoid any movements that might disrupt the adhesive while drying.
Once the adhesive has completely dried out, examine the denture tooth, and use a sharp pair of scissors to trim any excess material. You can do this by carefully cutting away any excess adhesive around the repaired tooth, making sure that the tooth surface stays uniform and that there is no excess material left on the tooth when finished. Always make sure that you don’t accidentally cut into the tooth or surrounding area. One wrong step might make the whole tooth irreparable, so be extremely careful during the trimming process.
It’s important to ensure that the tooth is not sharp or too high, as it could cause discomfort or even injury to your gums or tongue. After trimming away excess adhesive on the tooth surface, rub the area with your finger to smooth and contour the tooth to match its neighbors. Make sure the edges of the repaired tooth are flush with the denture’s surface. If there is any excess of adhesive present, trim it off with scissors or a sharp razor blade. If you notice any roughness, use a nail buffer or fine-grit sandpaper to smooth it out.
Always take your time when trimming the material to avoid causing any further damage. It’s better to work in small, controlled movements to ensure that you don’t remove too much material at once. You may need to make several trimming passes to achieve the proper fit and contour. Try the denture on to see how comfortable it feels. If it is too snug, trim a little more, but if the tooth is too loose, you may need to start again with new material and repeat the steps. Don’t hesitate to consult your dentist if you are unsure about any of these steps or want a professional opinion on whether the tooth should be repaired or replaced altogether.
After completing the trimming process and are satisfied with the repaired tooth’s placement and fit, you can now proceed to clean and sanitize the denture. You may find it easier to brush the denture in warm soapy water, making sure to clean the repaired area thoroughly to remove any residue or debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive toothpaste that could damage the repaired tooth or dislodge it from the denture. Once the cleaning is done place the denture back in your mouth and check how it feels. If it feels comfortable and secure, you have successfully fixed your broken denture tooth at home!
Test the Repaired Denture Tooth for Comfort and Functionality
After a denture tooth has been repaired, it is essential to test it for comfort and functionality before using it again. Here are the steps to follow to ensure that the denture is back to its working condition:
Step 1: Check the Fit
The repaired denture tooth might affect the fit of the denture. To ensure that the denture fits properly, place it in your mouth and try to bite down gently. Make sure that the denture sits comfortably and that it does not feel loose or shift when you chew or talk.
Step 2: Check for Any Sharp Edges
Examine the repaired tooth area closely for any sharp edges or rough surfaces. Glide your tongue around the denture to check for any sharp or rough areas that could irritate your tongue, cheeks, or gums. You can use a nail buffer or sandpaper to file away any sharp edges or rough surfaces.
Step 3: Check for Stability and Balance
Check the repaired tooth’s stability and balance by biting down gently and using your tongue to check if the denture flexes or rocks. You should feel comfortable when you bite down, and the denture should remain stable without flexing or rocking.
Step 4: Try Chewing
Try to chew a soft food such as a slice of bread or cooked potato, and then a harder food such as an apple or carrot. If the denture tooth is repaired correctly, you should be able to chew both soft and hard foods with ease. Do not try to chew anything that may cause damage to the denture.
Step 5: Sleep Test
Before going to bed, put on the repaired denture and sleep with it. Check in the morning to make sure that the denture is still comfortable, stable, and balanced. If your denture is not comfortable enough to sleep with, it is not yet suitable for everyday use. Repeat the process until you find that the denture is comfortable enough for you to wear for an extended period.
Final Thoughts
Fixing a broken denture tooth can be a simple process that you can do at home. However, you need to follow the right steps to ensure that it is safe and effective. Testing your repaired denture tooth for comfort and functionality can help you ensure that the denture is back to its working condition and avoid any discomfort or problems. If you find that the denture tooth is not suitable for fixing at home, or if the removed tooth damages the denture, take it to a professional denture technician or dentist.
