What it is
A partial denture for one tooth is a removable appliance that hooks onto your natural teeth and holds a prosthetic tooth set in pink resin to match your gums. It is also called a flipper. It is made of dental-grade acrylic resin and restores your smile when you are missing a tooth.
How you get one
We take an impression of your mouth with a soft material, and a dental laboratory makes the denture to fit you. It does not take long to prepare, is easy to wear and looks relatively natural. If you need a tooth extracted first, plan on letting the area heal for about six to eight weeks without a denture.
It may feel tight and uncomfortable at first, but most people get used to it within weeks. It helps with chewing, but take it out to sleep and keep it very clean to avoid problems with bacteria.
Pros and cons
According to the American Dental Association, a missing tooth can lead to bone loss and affect how you speak or chew. It can also change how your face looks, with sunken cheeks and an older appearance, and neighboring teeth may shift and become more prone to gum disease and decay.
- Advantages: it is among the most affordable replacement options, easy to wear, and can help stabilize the surrounding teeth.
- Disadvantages: it needs careful maintenance and tends to be less durable and less comfortable than more permanent options.
Other ways to replace one tooth
- Dental implant. A long-term option: we place an implant in the jaw and attach a replacement tooth. It is very durable and, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, may help prevent bone loss. It is more invasive than a partial denture, and the final tooth may take several months. Not everyone is a candidate, since implants fuse to the jawbone and need good general health for healing. See dental implants.
- Dental bridge. A group of crowns attaches to the healthy teeth on both sides of the gap. Those teeth must be reduced to hold the crowns, the bridge is a single piece you cannot floss between, and the area under the filler tooth needs extra cleaning. See dental bridges.
- A combination. Implant-supported bridges and implant-supported dentures are options in some cases.
Which one is right for you depends on your situation and needs. Mini-implants, which are one-piece screws under 3 mm wide placed with less invasive methods, may suit people without enough bone or who cannot have surgery.
Common questions
How much does a partial denture for one tooth cost?
It is one of the most affordable options. We go over costs and give you a personalized quote at your first consultation. Check with your insurance provider about coverage.
Can it make my gums recede?
Recession is a known risk, usually when bacteria get trapped between the denture and the gums or where it hooks onto your teeth. Take the denture out every night and clean it and your natural teeth well.
Does getting one hurt?
Generally no. It usually does not require extractions, so it is relatively pain-free. You may feel some slight discomfort while your mouth adjusts, and most people are used to it in a few weeks.
What if it gets loose?
Contact us. We can adjust it to fit properly.