If a tooth comes off your denture, keep the tooth and the appliance and contact the clinic. A detached tooth may be repairable, but the team needs to assess the base, tooth position and bite before deciding what is appropriate.
Collect all the pieces
Put the tooth and denture in a secure container rather than wrapping them loosely in tissue. Do not scrub the fractured surfaces aggressively or try to remove material. Bring any other fragments and tell the clinician exactly what happened. If the tooth cannot be found, explain that too.
Do not glue it back
Household glue is not a suitable repair material. Even if a tooth appears to fit neatly, a small positioning error can alter how the teeth meet. Glue residue can also make professional repair harder. Do not keep wearing an appliance with a loose tooth that could detach in the mouth.
Ask what caused the failure
A one-off accident and a repeatedly detached tooth may need different plans. The clinician may check wear, the available material and the opposing bite. A replacement tooth also needs an appropriate appearance and position; it is not just a cosmetic patch.
Plan for the gap in use
Confirm when you can bring it in and how long assessment and repair may take. Use a spare only if it is suitable and comfortable. If you think a missing tooth or fragment was inhaled, or you have choking or breathing symptoms, seek emergency help. A missing piece should not be ignored simply because the denture itself has been found.
Sources and further reading
These sources support the clinical background. The practical planning suggestions are general guidance, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan.
Information checked: 22 October 2026.
Related guides
This guide provides general information. Simon and your dental team can advise on your own circumstances.
