Prosthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with replacing missing teeth, oral soft and hard tissues with the help of oral prostheses like crowns, bridges, and dentures. In addition, the placement of dental implants to replace missing teeth also comes under prosthodontics.
What is a prosthodontic dental emergency?
Let’s say you have an important event to attend on a Sunday evening. You have chosen your dress and your jewellery, and you are ready to impress. Then, on Sunday afternoon, you sit down for lunch and take a bite of, let’s say, a piece of dark chocolate and suddenly hear a pop. You realise that your tooth cap has come out! Well, such a situation can classify as a prosthodontic emergency.
Anyone who has a dental crown, dental bridges on dentures can suffer from a prosthodontic emergency. A denture can slip out of the mouth and break, or a dental bridge can crack. All these situations require immediate attention and qualify as prosthodontic dental emergencies.
Types of prosthodontic dental emergency
Dental crowns, also referred to as tooth caps, are a dental prosthesis that sits on your natural tooth’s crown. A dental crown is given to restore the shape, size, strength and functionality of a decayed or damaged tooth. A dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis that is used to replaced missing teeth.
Although dental crowns and bridges are meant to last for a long time, they may break or loosen at times.
A dental crown or a bridge can become loose and dislodge due to the following reasons:
- If the tooth with the dental crown has been reinfected due to dental decay, it can damage the tooth structure underneath the crown, thus causing the crown to become loose.
- The dental cement used to fix the crown on the tooth has worn off.
- Consumption of sticky and chewy food substances apply pulling forces on the dental crown and can dislodge it.
In addition to this, risk factors that cause a dental crown or a bridge to fracture or break are –
- You have a habit of teeth grinding or teeth clenching.
- Improper bite.
- Faulty dental crown.
- Trauma to the crown.
- Chewing on hard consistency substances like ice, candies, etc.
Broken or cracked dentures
Dentures are the most commonly used prosthesis for teeth replacement. However, the problem with removable dentures is that they are prone to breaking. Dentures are made from stiff acrylic; however, they can break if they accidentally fall from your hand while cleaning or putting them on.
Having a lousy denture hygiene routine (like not cleaning them every day or not putting them in water at night) also weakens the dentures and can cause them to break and crack under light forces. Dentures that have been used for a long time undergo periodic stresses, which can cause them to suffer cracks and eventually break.
Broken or loose veneers
Veneers are wafer-thin shells placed on the front surface of the teeth to improve smile aesthetics. Veneers are delicate and fixed to the teeth with the help of dental cement. If you have veneers, there are certain precautions you must take to maintain them.
Chewing or biting down on hard and chewy foods can cause them to break or become loose. Veneers can even break if you suffer a facial injury.
When to seek an emergency prosthodontic appointment?
Broken or loose dental crowns and bridges cause eating and speech difficulty. Broken edges of the crown can also be a source of irritation and trauma to the oral soft tissue. Moreover, it exposes the weakened tooth to a harsh oral environment which can damage it more.
A broken denture can cause injury to the gums and soft tissues of the mouth. It also disturbs and puts a dent in daily activities.
You should seek an emergency dental appointment if you have a broken or loose dental crown, bridge, denture or a dislodged and chipped veneer.
Prosthodontic treatments
If you face any issue with your oral prosthesis, reach out to us, and we will schedule an emergency dental appointment for you.
If your denture has broken or cracked from its base, dental rebasing of the denture is done. In cases of loose dentures, denture realigning is carried out.
If you have a loose crown or a bridge, our dentist will try to reattach it. However, in cases of significant destruction or fracture of the dental crown, a new prosthesis will be made. If your veneers are dislodged or cracked, our dentist will carefully remove the broken part, clean the tooth and advice you to replace the broken veneers.
How to prevent the need for a prosthodontic emergency appointment?
The best way to prevent a prosthodontic emergency appointment is to ensure optimum oral health. Brushing twice a day and floss to keep your mouth clean and disease-free. Avoid eating hard and chewy foods which can dislodge or damage your crown, bridge or veneers.
Clean your dentures every day, remove and put them in water when you sleep. In addition to this, schedule regular dental health checkups at our dental clinic to stay at the top of your oral health.
If you have any more questions or would like to know about our prosthodontic treatments, please call us, and our team will be there to assist you.