The best way to lower your risk of COVID-19 is to limit your trips outside and practice social distancing. To encourage these safety measures, nearly all non-essential businesses, including dental offices, have temporarily closed. So, where should you turn if your dentures are damaged or broken during quarantine? Your Vero Beach dentist explains the steps you should take to keep both yourself and your smile safe.
Always Call Your Dentist First
Whenever your dentures are chipped, cracked, dirty, or uncomfortable, your first step should always be to call your dentist. Under normal circumstances, you would schedule an appointment so your dentist could examine your dentures and determine the best way to repair or adjust them. However, during the COVID-19 quarantine, many dental practices postponed all non-emergency appointments until further notice. Even so, you should contact your dentist as soon as you notice any issues with your dentures. Explain your situation in as much detail as possible over the phone so they can assess the problem and recommend the most appropriate course of action based on the severity of your condition.
Caring for Broken Dentures During Quarantine
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, most dental practices continued to treat dental emergencies. If your dentures required urgent care, your dentist might have asked you to visit their thoroughly sanitized office for repairs or adjustments. However, if they determined it was safer for you to remain at home until social distancing restrictions were lifted, they would provide guidance over the phone to help protect your smile in the meantime. Their recommendations could include the following:
- Using a denture adhesive to keep them in place.
- Applying dental wax or sugarless gum to any sharp edges.
- Taking them out, soaking them, and refraining from wearing them.
What NOT to Do if Your Dentures Are Damaged
Be sure to carefully follow the instructions your dentist provides. Even if the damage seems minor, avoid attempting repairs on your own or taking actions that could worsen the problem. Instead, follow your dentist’s guidance and wait for professional treatment when it is safe to do so. In particular, you should avoid the following:
- Do NOT try a home repair kit, which can easily break your dentures even more.
- Do NOT use over-the-counter glues on your dentures, since they may contain harmful chemicals.
- Do NOT continue to wear dentures that are painful or uncomfortable, as this can lead to oral infections and other issues.
With proper care, your dentures should remain comfortable and functional. However, if you’re looking for a more stable, natural-looking, and long-lasting solution, consider discussing dental implants with your dentist after the COVID-19 quarantine. Dental implants provide a secure, permanent alternative to traditional dentures, offering improved comfort, function, and confidence in your smile.
About the Practice
At Premier Dental in Vero Beach, FL, we understand how much of an impact even a single missing tooth can have on your daily life. That’s why we offer high-quality tooth replacement solutions, including dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. Our experienced prosthodontists, Dr. Adam Jones and Dr. Giuliana Jones, have specialized training in restoring smiles and replacing missing teeth. Whether you need denture repairs, are considering dental implants, or require urgent dental care, our team is here to help. Contact us through our website or call (772) 774-3463 to schedule an appointment or receive emergency assistance.