When Would a Dentist Recommend a Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth?

A partial denture for one missing tooth may seem unnecessary to some, but it may be the right treatment option for certain people. It is not unusual for someone to lose a single tooth as a result of some type of injury or tooth decay. Even old age can cause a tooth to fall out for seemingly no other reason. A partial denture for one missing tooth may be recommended to fill in the gap and prevent the remaining teeth from moving around in the mouth.

A partial denture is also known as a flipper, and it is typically made with an acrylic base (which is removable and designed to look like gum tissue) as well as an artificial tooth. A partial denture is easy to put into the mouth since it is designed to fit over the patient’s gum tissue while securing the teeth on either side of it with special clasps.

A partial denture may not be recommended for everyone. Some people may prefer other available treatment options to replace a single missing tooth, but for other people, partial dentures are ideal. Here are some situations when a dentist might recommend a partial denture for one missing tooth.

The patient has a limited budget

For patients who have limited budgets, partial dentures may be recommended. This is because a partial denture is generally more affordable than some other available treatment options. Some dental insurance options may cover a portion of the cost associated with partial dentures, but not all offer this type of coverage.

To determine how much you can expect to pay for your partial denture for one missing tooth, you will need to talk to your insurance provider. Many full dental policies cover as much as 50% of denture costs, which can be very helpful when you have tight budgetary constraints.

Even some medical insurance policies will cover some or all of the costs associated with dentures, but this is only if your dentist says that the procedure is medically necessary. If your dentist cannot honestly say the procedure is medically necessary, medical insurance will not cover it.

The patient wants a minimally invasive treatment

Many patients shy away from invasive treatment options for one or more missing teeth because they do not want to undergo surgery or other potentially painful procedures. For these patients, a partial denture for one missing tooth is an attractive alternative. This treatment does not require cutting into the gum tissue or any other type of invasive procedure.

Since the partial denture sits on top of the patient’s gum tissue, there is no need for surgery or long recovery times. Dentists may recommend partial dentures for patients with health issues who are not good candidates for more invasive procedures.