When Would a Dentist Recommend Partial Dentures?

Are you considering getting partial dentures to replace your missing teeth? This can be a good solution to tooth loss. This may not make the most sense in every situation, but your dentist can help you decide if the treatment is right. There are benefits to choosing these dentures to restore your smile. There are specific situations where your dentist would want to pursue this tooth-replacement option for you.

How people lose teeth

Tooth loss is a serious issue that can affect both oral health and appearance. Teeth are durable and are meant to last a lifetime. Still, teeth can become damaged or even fall out. One reason is due to poor oral hygiene. When a person does not brush or floss regularly, tooth decay or gum disease can result. Untreated, teeth can deteriorate, and gums can pull away from the teeth.

Accidents and other mishaps can also cause teeth to fall out. A hard blow to the face can knock out a tooth. Falling face-first can do the same, as can biting into a hard object. Eating hard foods can dislodge a tooth, while eating something sticky can pull out a tooth.

Partial dentures when multiple teeth are missing

Losing a single tooth can be problematic. It can be embarrassing to the person and make it difficult to chew many different foods. Losing several teeth can have more serious effects. To replace multiple teeth, partial dentures can be preferable to other options. This treatment is less of a financial commitment than others. Also, several missing teeth may be too many for some tooth-replacement choices but will work well for a partial set of dentures.

When the patient wants a removable option

With some tooth-replacement treatments, only the dentist can remove the apparatus. Partial dentures work differently. Though there are some permanent varieties, such as implant-supported dentures, traditional dentures are removable. This allows the patient to take them out to clean. It is also handy to remove them before going to bed and let them soak overnight.

When the patient wants something less invasive

Replacing teeth can be a difficult process. Some treatments require multiple surgeries. These can be uncomfortable, painful, and have a challenging recovery. It can also take some time to get used to other tooth-replacement options.

Getting partial dentures is not such an intense procedure. The dentist will begin by taking X-rays and making impressions of the patient’s mouth. These allow a technician to create the base and artificial teeth. Within a few weeks, the patient can have a new smile. The person will also be able to chew properly and eat most foods.

Preparing for partial dentures

The preparation for partial dentures impacts the success or failure of the treatment. The patient must go through some steps before the partials go into the mouth. The dentist will explain each step to the patient. Here are the basic preparations for partial dentures:

• Creating a treatment plan involves using the dentist’s experience and knowledge. The dentist will also use study casts, a roentgenogram, and a vitalometer.
• Digital dental X-rays and study casts can educate the patient about the missing teeth.
• Performing a smart survey of the flat dental arch before and after the mouth preparation.
• Using the planned preparations, involving the use of cast restorations.

Smart planning and the patient’s cooperation can lead to the success of these dental restorations. Proper care for the neighboring natural teeth that support the dentures is also important. Good mouth preparation helps preserve the mouth’s structures and soft tissues. This can enhance the function of the partial dentures as well. The final treatment plan can stand by until the dentist sees the patient’s response to the preparatory procedures.

Preparing the patient’s mouth involves targeting the issues that may put the partial dentures at risk. Changing the patient’s natural teeth is necessary to support the partial dentures. The main goal is to improve the patient’s dental health. This is possible by removing the issues that can be harmful to the function of the removable dentures. Gum treatments and oral surgeries must happen before the preparation of the teeth. The patient must have at least six weeks of recovery between surgeries and restorations.

Get the smile you have been looking for

If you have had to hide your smile because of embarrassing gaps, it is time to do something about it. Your dentist can fit you with a set of partial dentures to restore the full function of your mouth. You can also once again be happy with your appearance. Make an appointment with your dentist today to get started.

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