Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth: Can It be a Removable Denture?

A lost tooth can be a challenging situation to deal with in your life. Fortunately, a partial denture for one missing tooth is an excellent option to get your smile back to full capacity. Your dentist can go over your choices for this procedure and can even set you up with a removable denture. Opting for a removable denture allows you to wear the device during the daytime and take it out at night.

A removable prosthesis can replace just a single missing tooth, or it can replace multiple teeth on an arch. The device is made of a resin base from a mold taken of the teeth and the soft tissues near the missing tooth. These devices are custom-made to precisely fit your mouth and bite and to match the color of your surrounding teeth. They usually use clasps made of a resin material or metal that attach to the surrounding teeth. Your dentist will strive to make sure the clasps are not visible when you smile or talk.

The benefits of replacing a lost tooth

Even a single missing tooth can have significant impacts on your oral health and your appearance. A space along your gum line can impact how you chew foods, and it could make you reluctant to smile in some social situations. A partial denture for one missing tooth improves your dental health in several ways:

• It improves the aesthetics of your smile.
• It restores your bite to its original condition.
• It keeps other teeth from shifting in your mouth.
• It is fairly easy to adapt to.

A partial denture also gives you some flexibility for future dental work. In some cases, additional teeth could be added to the denture.

The process for fitting a partial denture typically takes two to three visits to your dentist's office. The first visit is spent taking the mold and fitting you with a temporary replacement tooth. The second visit, usually a couple of weeks later, is focused on attaching the prosthesis. Any future visits will deal with adjustments or alterations to the partial denture.

The process of getting used to a partial denture

The first 30 days of wearing your new unit will require some adjustment. You could experience some soreness in your mouth's soft tissue. As long as the piece is a good fit, this should lessen over time. You will also need to get proficient in taking out the partial denture for one missing tooth and putting it back in. It is important to use the right amount of pressure when handling your removable denture.

You will also need to learn how to care for your replacement piece, which includes placing it in a jar of water at night and cleaning it of any food debris. A soft-bristled brush without toothpaste works best to remove plaque. You will still need to practice good hygiene with your remaining teeth and your gums.