Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth

Lafayette, CA

If you are missing a tooth, don’t resign yourself to the situation. There is a solution available in the form of a partial denture. Partial dentures will likely become the standard tooth replacement option in the near future. Though the average dentist does not perform this procedure at a high frequency, it is effective and rapidly growing in popularity. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about partial dentures for a single tooth.

How many visits does it require?

Replacing a single tooth with a partial denture will likely require a minimum of two visits with one or two weeks between each visit. The initial visit is to create the impression. The next visit is for the placement of the partial denture. We will make the partial denture during this period of time. However, certain types of partial dentures, like the Flexite Partial, can be available in a single day.

Will adjacent teeth be ground down?

While with some treatments we may need to grind down teeth, we do not grind down teeth with removable partial dentures.

Will a partial denture affect my speech or eating?

There is a chance that the partial denture will slightly impact speech and eating. However, there is less chance of a partial denture affecting such actions when replacing a single tooth as opposed to multiple teeth.

Will the partial denture alter my face or my smile?

There is a small chance the bone beneath the removable partial denture might deteriorate as time progresses. If such deterioration occurs, the appearance of your face or smile can change slightly. There is also a chance that the partial denture clasp will be visible when you smile.

Is a partial denture expensive?

In relation to other potential solutions, partial dentures are extraordinarily cheap. In fact, they are widely considered the cheapest available treatment option.

What are removable partial dentures made of?

This oral health device consists of a metal framework along with acrylic or plastic. We place the metal framework across the roof of the mouth and have it extend along the lower jaw/back portion of the teeth. The framework then hooks onto the remaining teeth. The hooks clasp to keep the partial denture firmly in place. This is why your dentist places the hooks on stable and healthy teeth. The denture tooth is placed in acrylic to replace the missing tooth.

There is also a newer variety of partial dentures that are more aesthetically pleasing. This option is known as a “flexible” denture. Consisting of thermoplastic, it is completely pink and clear in color. This newer version does not make use of any sort of metal framework. The flexible denture relies on a thin prosthesis that is much lighter than the metal variety. This flexible denture does not break nearly as easily as the conventional variety.

Is any preparatory work necessary?

Yes. The dentist must prepare the remaining teeth with grooves and dimples before the patient receives the partial denture. These grooves and dimples, also known as rest seats, allow the metal framework to slide right into the teeth. This is where the denture rests atop the tooth. So, the dentures do not push down onto the gums.

Are there any negatives to the new “flexible” partial dentures?

While the newer style of partial denture is less likely to break and more visually pleasing, it has the potential to push down into the gums when the patient bites. The metal type is not as likely to impact the gums thanks to the fact that it blocks denture pressure from reaching the gums. If you choose the newer version and find your gums feel a bit sore or irritated, we can remedy the problem with slight adjustments.

Have studies been conducted to confirm the longevity of partial dentures for a single tooth?

Few such studies exist. Plenty of studies have been performed to document the effectiveness of partial dentures yet there is minimal data regarding their use for single-tooth replacement. Studies centered on longevity determined lifespan to range from six years to 20 years. In general, patients who replace a single tooth with a partial denture should expect it to last for about a decade. A young patient who opts for a partial denture for a single tooth will likely receive at least three prostheses during his life.

Is there any risk to successive prostheses for single-tooth replacement?

There is the potential for additional biological complications such as caries, tooth fracture, and periodontal pathology.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth Lafayette

Questions Answered on This Page

Q. How many visits does it take to install partial dentures?

Q. Will my eating or speaking be different with a partial denture?

Q. What are removable partial dentures made of?

Definition of Dental Implant Terminology

Alveolar Bone

The alveolar bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth that keeps the tooth in place.

Denture Base

The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.

Fixed Full Arch Restoration

A fixed full arch restoration is a common treatment option for edentulous patients who are missing either all or at least an entire arch of their teeth.

Full Arch Rehabilitation

Full arch rehabilitation involves using the All-on-4 ™ to help patients maintain and use a new set of teeth that look natural.

Graftless Procedure

A graftless procedure is a dental implant procedure that does not require the use of a bone graft prior to placing the dental implants.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.

Resin/Acrylic

Resin and Acrylic are resinous materials that can be components in a denture base.

Clasp

A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.

Edentulous

Edentulous is a term that applies to people who do not have any teeth.

Fixed Provisional Bridge

A fixed provisional bridge is a dental bridge that a dentist cements in place for a temporary amount of time to see if it works properly before making the bridge permanent.

Full Arch Treatment

Full arch treatment is the treatment process of replacing an entire arch of missing teeth and ensuring that everything fits properly.

Nobel Biocare

Nobel Biocare is a company that manufactures dental implants and continues to innovate the market with new products and designs.

Stomatitis

A resin bonded bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix to the surrounding t teeth with a type of resin to provide patients with a long-lasting solution.

Pontic

Pontic is another term for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture.

Helpful Related Links

American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2015
WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2015

About our business, license, and website security

Lafayette Dental Implant Center was established in 2004.
We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
We serve patients from the following counties: Alameda County, San Francisco County, Contra Costa County, San Mateo County and Marin County
We serve patients from the following cities: Lafayette, San Francisco, San Mateo, Berkeley, Richmond, San Rafael, Alameda, San Leandro, Hayward and Walnut Creek
CA (License #52426). View License Information and Specifics
Norton Safe Web. View Details
Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details