Partial Removable Dentures

When a tooth is missing, the other teeth move and fill the space. They do not do this evenly, meaning this movement makes things worse. It also becomes more difficult to bite or chew with a missing tooth.

Depending on the patient’s needs, replacing a missing tooth with a prosthetic can be a good way to help keep the entire mouth healthy. Having a full set of teeth, natural or not, also improves a person's smile. Partial removable dentures is a tooth-replacement option that can be used for only one missing tooth, in place of an implant or prosthetic.

Process of Getting Partial Dentures

As explained by WebMD, a removable partial denture is contoured to fit snugly into the patient's mouth. To get this custom fit, Bellevue Dental takes impressions of the mouth before having the denture made. The finished product consists of pink resin and one or more prosthetic teeth.

Although the partial denture may feel tight and uncomfortable at first, most patients get used to it in a matter of weeks. A partial denture can help with chewing but should be removed for sleep. It is important to keep the apparatus scrupulously clean to avoid problems with bacteria.

Pros and Cons of Partial Dentures for One Missing Tooth

Using a partial denture to fill a space left by a missing tooth has its advantages and disadvantages. Always consider the advice of your dental professional when deciding whether or not to replace a tooth. Depending on the patient's oral health, the ability to maintain dental hygiene, and other circumstances, a partial denture may or may not be the right option.

Pros:

• Lower cost than implants
• Easy to get used to
• Less time to fabricate
• Maintains appropriate spacing of teeth

Cons:

• Uncomfortable at first
• Not as durable as an implant or bridge
• May require periodic adjustment or repair

If you are unsure of what your best options are, contact our office to schedule an appointment today. Bellevue Dental can conduct a comprehensive oral exam to determine an individualized care plan for you.

Other Options for Replacing a Single Missing Tooth

A partial denture is a quick, common solution for replacing a tooth, but there are alternatives. The treatment chosen depends on the patient's situation and needs. When a replacement tooth is required, several choices are available:

• Implants. Dental implants are part of a long-term solution for missing teeth. A dentist can place implants in a patient's jaw and attach false teeth to them. They are incredibly durable and, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, may help prevent bone loss around a tooth extraction. However, implant placement is more invasive than getting a partial denture. Depending on the type of implant, it may be several months before the final installation of the prosthetic tooth.
• Bridges. A dental bridge consists of a group of crowns that attach to healthy teeth on either side of the gap. It is necessary to reduce the healthy teeth that will support a bridge to allow crowns to go over them. The three or more crowns that make up the dental bridge are a single piece with no way to floss between them. Additionally, extra care is needed to clean under the pontic, or part that fills the gap.
• A combination of solutions. Implant-supported bridges are an option for those without the necessary natural teeth. Similarly, implant-supported dentures, which can replace the entire upper arch, lower arch, or both, are also an option for some people. Implants last a long time with proper care, but they do sometimes fail. Because dental implants fuse to the jawbone and require good overall health to ensure healing, not every patient is a candidate.

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