Are Partial Dentures Used for One Missing Tooth?

Getting partial dentures is one way that you can replace a missing tooth. They are among the most affordable missing teeth replacement options and can be used to replace a single missing tooth.

Partial dentures are also among the least-invasive missing teeth replacement options because they do not require altering healthy teeth. They are often recommended when a person only has a few missing teeth, while full denture sets are for those who have lost most of their natural teeth.

Replacing a missing tooth with partial dentures

Partial dentures are removable oral appliances made up of artificial teeth attached to an acrylic or plastic base. The base is gum colored, so it does not stick out in the mouth. Partial dentures provide better stability than complete denture sets because they are typically held in place by a framework or metal clasps. They can be used to replace teeth in the upper and lower jaw.

Replacing lost teeth with partial dentures helps prevent the remaining teeth from moving out of their proper alignment as they attempt to close up the spaces in the gums. It also covers up the hole left in the gums left by the lost tooth, preventing bacteria from getting underneath the tissues and infecting them.

The process

Replacing a missing tooth with partial dentures starts with the dentist examining the patient to evaluate if partial dentures are the right solution for them. The patient’s teeth are carefully examined, and X-rays might be taken to examine their jaw. The dentist will also educate the patient about partial dentures and what they should expect to gain from them.

The dentist then starts taking measurements of the patient’s mouth and makes an impression by having them bite down on a mold, which is forwarded to technicians in a dental lab where oral prosthetics like partial dentures are made. It takes about two weeks to make the custom restoration.

The patient returns to the office when the custom prosthetic is ready. The dentist instructs them on inserting, removing, and maintaining the appliance. In most situations, the patient can leave the clinic with their new partial dentures in place.

The consequences of not replacing a missing tooth

Some people opt not to have their missing teeth replaced, which can lead to various problems. For starters, the remaining teeth often move toward the space left by the lost tooth as they try to close the gap. This leads to poor teeth alignment and bite issues.

Additionally, failing to replace a missing tooth increases a person’s risk of gum disease, a leading cause of adult tooth loss. Gum disease is also linked to health issues like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, according to Healthline.

Give partial dentures a try

Partial dentures can restore the appearance and function of lost teeth. Give us a call or drop by our New York clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://newyorkdmd.com or call New York DMD at (917) 284-9680 for an appointment in our New York office.