01
How long does the repair take?
A simple fracture is usually repaired the same day. More extensive repairs, or a denture that needs relining because the gums have changed shape, require laboratory work and take longer. We tell you the exact timing at the appointment, once we can see what the repair involves.
02
I glued it with superglue — is that a problem?
Unfortunately yes: the glue prevents proper bonding and the denture usually has to be replaced. Still bring it so we can assess.
03
My denture keeps breaking — why?
Usually poor fit: bone resorbs, support becomes uneven and force concentrates at one point. The solution is relining or replacement.
04
How long can I go without my denture?
As briefly as possible. Going without a denture for a long period lets the gum ridges change shape, strains the jaw joint because the bite is unsupported, and affects what you can eat. Do not put the repair off on the assumption that it can wait.
05
How should I clean my denture safely?
Fill the basin or place a towel underneath. Avoid abrasive toothpaste and stiff brushes, and never use hot water, which deforms acrylic.
06
After a fall my front tooth is loose but still in place. Will it tighten by itself?
A loose tooth should be examined rather than left to settle on its own. The impact may have injured the ligaments holding it and the surrounding bone. Most such teeth are supported by splinting them to the neighbours and then reviewed at intervals. Avoid hard food, do not bite on that side, and keep the area gently clean; early splinting improves healing.
07
My child fell and a front tooth looks pushed up into the gum. What should we do?
A tooth driven into its socket is a distinct type of injury and needs same-day assessment. Do not pull it or try to move it outward. Some teeth re-erupt on their own over time, while others need orthodontic or surgical help; the decision depends on whether the tooth is a baby or adult tooth and how deeply it moved. An X-ray shows the tooth bud beneath.
08
My crown came off and I am holding it. What should I do?
Keep the crown and bring it to your appointment. If it is not broken and the tooth beneath is sound, it can often be recemented. The prepared tooth underneath may be sensitive, so avoid biting hard food on that side, limit very hot and cold items and keep the area gently clean. Do not force the crown back on, as a wrong fit harms the tooth and your bite.
09
Can I temporarily stick my crown back with household glue?
No. Household products such as super glue are not made for use inside the mouth; they irritate tissue and can chemically damage the tooth and nerve. They also lock the crown in the wrong position, hide decay underneath and often ruin the crown completely, turning a simple recementing into far more extensive treatment. Store the crown in a dry container and bring it in.
10
My denture broke in two. Can I glue it and keep wearing it?
Do not glue a broken denture at home. Even a tiny misalignment stops it seating properly, which causes gum sores, uneven loading of the bone and a permanent misfit. Household adhesives also damage the denture material and make laboratory repair harder. Keep every piece in a box and bring them in; many fractures can be repaired quickly under the right conditions.
11
My denture rubbed my gum and caused a sore. Should I keep wearing it?
If the sore is painful, leave the denture out for a while to rest the area; warm salt-water rinses can soothe it. Do wear or bring the denture to your appointment, though, because the pressure point must be seen in the mouth. Never file or trim it yourself. Sores that do not heal, look raised at the edges, or last beyond two weeks need separate assessment.
12
The end of my orthodontic wire is poking my cheek. What can I do?
First cover the sharp end with orthodontic wax, or a small piece of clean cotton if you have none, to protect the tissue. Do not cut or bend the wire yourself, as that can injure you and disturb the treatment plan. Warm salt-water rinses reduce irritation. It is not a life-threatening emergency, but book an appointment promptly; the poking end is usually adjusted quickly.
13
A bracket came off and is dangling on the wire. Do I need to come in immediately?
A loose bracket is usually handled within days rather than at night. If it is still threaded on the wire, do not pull it off; cover it with orthodontic wax if it irritates you. If it came away completely, keep it and bring it in. Avoid hard, sticky and crunchy food meanwhile. Long delays stall tooth movement and can extend the overall treatment time.
14
I had a tooth out and by evening the bleeding still has not really stopped. What should I do?
Fold clean gauze, place it directly over the socket and bite firmly for about twenty minutes without checking, since frequent peeking disturbs the clot. Do not spit, rinse, use a straw or smoke during this time, and keep your head raised. Slight oozing mixed with saliva is normal, but bright red bleeding that fills the mouth despite pressure needs same-day attention.
15
I take blood thinners. What should I do about bleeding in my mouth?
Use the same firm pressure technique, but expect bleeding to take longer to settle on these medicines. Never stop or change the dose on your own; that carries serious risks and is only done with the knowledge of the doctor who prescribed it. Call the clinic if bleeding continues despite pressure, as local measures usually control it. Always bring a list of your medicines.
16
I bit my lip and tongue when I fell and it is bleeding a lot. What should I do?
Clean the area gently with clean water, then apply steady pressure with clean gauze for about ten minutes; a cold pack on the outside limits swelling. Mouth wounds look dramatic because the tissue has a rich blood supply. If bleeding lasts beyond fifteen minutes, the cut is deep or gaping, or debris such as grit or glass is inside, stitches may be needed, so seek care at once.
17
Will putting an aspirin on the aching tooth help?
No. Do not place a painkiller tablet on the gum or tooth. It does not relieve the pain and can cause a chemical burn, leaving a white, painful ulcer where it touched. Painkillers work when swallowed. The choice and dose should suit your own health, so ask your doctor if you have stomach problems, allergies, blood thinners or a pregnancy.
18
Should I put something hot or cold on my swollen face?
Avoid external heat when the swelling comes from a dental infection, because heat increases blood flow and can help it spread. After trauma or an extraction, intermittent cold packs during the first day reduce swelling and discomfort. Never put ice straight on the skin; wrap it in a cloth. Heat is mainly useful for muscular pain and when your dentist advises it.
19
If I get antibiotics from the pharmacy, will my dental abscess clear up?
Antibiotics alone rarely settle the problem for good, because the symptoms often return once the course ends if the source tooth is untreated. Taking them without an examination also masks the picture, contributes to resistance and risks needless side effects. The right order is examination, imaging when required, then the definitive step: drainage, root canal treatment or extraction.
