With the usage of dentures comes the inevitable risk of having a tooth fall off the dentures. This can result from the slightest of trauma, wear and tear, or a manufacturing defect. Whatever the cause is, if you have the tooth, it can be repaired without extreme cost, and can be done on your own with the use of a denture repair kit. With some precision and care, you can reattach the tooth to the dentures temporarily or permanently.
- With the usage of dentures comes the inevitable risk of having a tooth fall off the dentures.
- Whatever the cause is, if you have the tooth, it can be repaired without extreme cost, and can be done on your own with the use of a denture repair kit.
Examine the body of the denture to ensure that the structure is sound with no abnormalities or fractures, and that such an abnormality was not the cause for the tooth to fall off the dentures. Cracks or fractures in the body should be fixed prior to tooth replacement.
Examine the tooth itself to see if there are any fractures or breaks in the tooth. If the tooth has fractures or chips, only a temporary repair should be attempted until you can get replacement teeth. If there are no fractures, proceed with permanent repair measures.
Use Super Glue or Crazy Glue for temporary fixes. If the tooth is chipped or fractured, repair the tooth to one piece first with glue. Once set, add a few drops of the glue to the empty spot on the denture body; place the tooth and hold firmly with a tissue until completely glued to the denture. Order replacement teeth or contact a lab to permanently fix your dentures.
Use the filing tool and emery paper to softly smooth out the back (or lingual portion) of the tooth that broke off from the dentures if you intend to permanently repair the dentures. This will ensure better adhesion to the dentures when glued. Be careful not to change the shape or dimension of the teeth if you plan to use the original denture tooth. If it broke off neatly, it should fit back in like a puzzle piece.
- Use Super Glue or Crazy Glue for temporary fixes.
- Use the filing tool and emery paper to softly smooth out the back (or lingual portion) of the tooth that broke off from the dentures if you intend to permanently repair the dentures.
Place bonding adhesive to the empty spot on the dentures, and lay the tooth into the spot. Pack in powder polymer to any visible empty spots, if needed. Apply a few drops of liquid monomer to the powder to create an acrylic, and mould into place to hold the tooth in place. In most cases, if the tooth popped out perfectly, then the monomer/polymer procedure can be skipped.
Immerse the entire denture with newly replaced tooth into a bowl of warm water and allow to set. Remove from the water once fully set and brush the entire denture with a toothbrush and toothpaste to polish.
TIP
There are many "self-repair denture kits" available that can be useful for emergency situations. As in the case with Super Glue procedures, most of these kits are meant to provide a temporary repair until a permanent repair can be made.
WARNING
If you cannot find the materials needed or do not feel comfortable with the procedure, contact a dental lab and ask them to reattach a tooth for you. Most labs will have all necessary materials in stock and will be able to fix your dentures for you on the same day for minimal cost. If ordering replacement teeth, you must make sure the colour of the new replacement tooth matches the existing teeth colour on your dentures.