Social distancing is the most effective way to keep yourself safe from COVID-19. In compliance with the stay at home orders of South Portland, Maine, most dental practices have postponed all appointments except dental emergencies. What should you do if you find yourself stuck in quarantine with a broken denture? Here’s how you can get your denture fixed while staying safe from the pandemic.
Step #1: Call Your Dentist
Whenever your denture becomes damaged, dirty, or uncomfortable, you should call your dentist right away. Typically, they would have you come in for an appointment to figure out the best denture repair or adjustment method. However, this may not be an option during COVID-19.
Nonetheless, you should still call your dentist if your denture is broken in quarantine. Use as much detail as you can when explaining your situation to them over them phone. This will help them assess the seriousness of your circumstances and determine if it qualifies as a dental emergency.
Step #2: Caring for Your Dentures at Home
If your dentist decides that your broken denture needs urgent repairs, they will call you into their highly sanitized office. However, if you are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and your dentures are not severely damaged, your dentist may deem it safer for you to come in after quarantine orders have been lifted. Until you can come in, they will instruct you on how to temporarily fix your denture, which may include:
- Using a denture adhesive to keep them safely in
place. - Applying dental wax or sugarless gum to sharp
edges. - Taking them out, soaking them, and refraining
from wearing them.
Step #3: Be Careful Until Your Dental Appointment
Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully. To keep your dentures in good shape until your appointment, remember:
- Do NOT try a store-bought home repair kit unless
recommended by your dentist. - Do NOT use over-the-counter glues on your
denture since most contain harmful chemicals. - Do NOT continue to wear your denture if it is
painful or uncomfortable, as this can lead to further damage or oral
infections.
Thankfully, as long as you take care of your denture, it should stay comfortable and intact throughout quarantine. However, knowing what to do if it breaks can help you handle the unexpected while staying healthy in the COVID-19 pandemic.
About the Practice
At Gannett Drive Dental, patients can achieve straighter smiles with Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Gagnon and our skilled team provide customized orthodontic plans designed to deliver lasting results. With personalized care and advanced technology, our practice helps patients transform their smiles comfortably and effectively.
Call us at (207) 253-5600 or request an appointment online.