Nursing Reference Guide

Identifying issues with dentures in a clinical setting

Issue	Indicators	Actions/Outcomes
Broken Dentures	•Denture is in pieces •A tooth has come off the denture	Reassemble the dentures to check if any pieces are missing. • No pieces missing: May be repaired without an impression • Missing pieces: A dental prosthetist visit is required to take an impression to repair the denture. • If a denture breaks but the cause is not identified, it is likely to break again. Breaks during function can be an indication that a new denture may be required.
Cracked Denture	•A crack can be felt by patient •A crack is identified through visual inspection	Hold denture up to a light, look for stress lines or cracks in the denture. • May be repaired without an impression
Denture falling out	•Denture is not clipped in •Denture is loose due to significant weight loss •Denture is loose due to bone loss of the jaw •Increase food trapping under denture •Denture falls out when patient speaks or eats •Adhesive is not as effective	Requires Prosthetist visit for: • Denture reline • New denture • Whichever is appropriate
Worn Denture	•Tooth features are worn: •Front teeth are very short due to wear •Back teeth are smooth due to wear •Patient takes a long time to chew •Patient becomes fatigued from eating	Requires Prosthetist visit for: • New denture
Adjustment	•Denture is causing an ulcer •Denture is pinching cheek •Denture has a high spot	Requires Prosthetist visit for: • Adjustment
When a new denture is needed	•Denture is not well maintained ie denture has large deposits of build up •Teeth on denture is worn •Denture is more than 10 years old	Dentures have a life span of 7-10 years depending on various factors. • Dentures are porous and will carry a bacteria load