When a patient has a single missing tooth or needs only one tooth extracted, there are multiple replacement options. For many patients, a partial denture is one of the leading options. Partial dentures for one missing tooth are removable dental appliances that hook onto a patient's natural teeth and contain a prosthetic tooth mounted in pink resin to match the patient's gums.
Partial dentures for one missing tooth are available at Venetian Family Dental in Stockton and the surrounding area. If you are ready to get your missing tooth replaced, call us today at (209) 474-0888 to schedule an appointment.
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.
Generally, removable partial dentures consist of natural-looking tooth replacements connected to a flesh-colored base shaped to fit the patient's gums. Before making the dentures, the dentist uses an elastic material such as alginate to take an impression of the mouth. The material then solidifies, providing an outline of the gums to create the base.
In contrast to fixed solutions, such as bridges or implants, removable dentures can be taken out overnight and for cleaning after meals. As a result, many find them easier to clean thoroughly. However, as the shape of the gums and jawbone often changes gradually after extraction, it is normal to need occasional adjustments for a proper fit.
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, Venetian Family 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.
Since dentures replace missing teeth, there is still a chance that the mouth changes through tooth movement. This can cause other teeth to shift, become loose, or feel uncomfortable. We can make any adjustments to the dentures as needed to ensure the dentures are fitting well and the surrounding teeth, gums, and bone are intact.
Benefits of Removable Partial Dentures
According to statistics cited by the American College of Prosthodontists, as many as 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Removable partial dentures are the solution of choice for many of them. For those who are missing back teeth, dentures can provide the following benefits:
- Promotion of oral health. Dentures prevent adjacent teeth from moving out of place, as they tend to do when there are missing teeth. By keeping the configuration of the teeth close to normal, dentures reduce the risk of severe bone and gum problems developing later. Furthermore, when the remaining natural teeth maintain their position, there is a lessened chance of bone loss and cavities.
- Comfort chewing and speaking. After a short adjustment period, most patients can talk and chew normally with denture arches for back teeth. Molars perform the critical function of grinding down food for proper digestion and nutrition absorption. Dentures offer an effective solution for performing this function after the loss of one or more molars.
- Enhanced appearance. Although back teeth are not readily visible, their absence can affect appearance. Missing molars can result in a shrunken facial shape and atrophy of some facial muscles. Partial dentures prevent this from happening by maintaining the normal shape of the face.
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. Venetian Family 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partial Dentures
Q. Are partial dentures for one missing tooth cost-effective?
A. Partial dentures are often more affordable than implants or fixed bridges. However, because they are not as durable as other prosthetic teeth, there may be ongoing expenses. Cost alone should not be the determining factor when considering tooth replacement options. Consult with Venetian Family Dental to determine the right choice for you.
Q. Is it worth it to use partial dentures for one missing tooth?
A. When a tooth is missing, other teeth begin to shift inside the mouth. This shifting affects the bite and, according to the U.K.-based Oral Health Foundation, may also contribute to tooth decay. Another symptom of missing teeth is bone loss. Fortunately, both these side effects may be able to be minimized depending on the type of replacement tooth.
Q. Should I choose implants or partial dentures for one missing tooth?
A. Each patient's oral health, medical history, and overall physical condition play a role in determining the option for replacing missing teeth. Other important factors include the position of the missing tooth, affordability, and insurance coverage. Consult with a qualified professional before making this decision.
Q. Are there advantages to getting partial dentures for one missing tooth?
A. Partial dentures tend to cost less than implants and bridges. They also generally take less time for design, creation, and placement. They are easy to insert, remove, and clean.
Q. Are dental bridges a good option instead of partial dentures for one missing tooth?
A. Dental bridges tend to be strong and durable. Whether they are a good option depends on the condition of the surrounding teeth and the patient's overall oral health. When chosen to replace missing teeth, dental bridges can last many years with proper care.
Q. What is the difference between partial dentures for one missing tooth and a flipper?
A. They are the same thing. A partial denture is also often referred to as a partial. Less frequently, it is called a plate or a dental plate.
Q. How often do I need to replace removable partial dentures for back teeth?
A. Partial dentures can last between five and 15 years. You can prolong their lifetime by practicing good oral hygiene and following your dentist's care instructions for your teeth replacements. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding hot water and harsh cleansers, which can damage the dentures or cause them to degrade quicker.
Q. Will I need crowns on my surrounding teeth to support denture arches for back teeth?
A. Most often, crowns are not necessary for a partial denture. However, if your dentist recommends a precision attachment rather than the usual metal clasp, you will need crowns if they are not already in place. The right option for each patient depends on a variety of factors, such as general dental health.
Q. Can I get removable partial dentures for back teeth if I have several missing molars?
A. Partial dentures can replace several teeth. If you have more than one missing tooth on one arch, the replacements can be fitted onto one denture, whether the missing teeth are contiguous or not.
Q. Are there any foods to avoid after getting denture arches for back teeth?
A. It can be easier to get used to eating with a partial denture if you start by cutting your food into small pieces. Stay away from sticky or hard foods to avoid damaging the dentures or putting too much pressure on them. When chewing, try to distribute the pressure evenly on both sides of the mouth.
Q. What should I do if my removable partial dentures for back teeth become cracked or chipped?
A. A damaged denture can irritate your mouth and lead to a poor fit. Cracks and other surface damage can also encourage bacterial growth. It is essential to see a dentist as soon as possible to repair or replace a damaged partial denture.
Q. What should I do if my denture arches for back teeth stopped fitting comfortably?
A. It is common to undergo some bone loss and gum changes after losing teeth. As a result, you may experience changes in the way your dentures fit. The dentist can adjust the denture for optimal fit and functionality.
Learn More About Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a relatively easy way to restore your smile quickly. They also provide some of the functions of your missing teeth. If you are ready to get started with this treatment for your missing tooth, call us today at (209) 474-0888.