When tooth decay invades a single tooth and goes untreated for a significant amount of time, it can invite the bacteria to spread to the surrounding teeth. Should you continue to procrastinate professional treatment, it could result in the loss of multiple teeth in that area of your mouth. This is even more likely to be an issue if you’ve struggled with periodontal disease in the past.
For some people, dental implants mounting a bridge can effectively restore the presence of these teeth. However, this requires multiple invasive oral surgeries that some patients are uncomfortable with. In a situation like this, Dr. [doctor_name] might recommend fitting you for a removable partial denture.
This small version of dentures will correspond to the location and general shape of the missing teeth. It can be removed when you sleep and for regular cleaning. The artificial teeth are set into a base that mimics the appearance of gum tissue, which also serves as a foundation to hold the replacement teeth tightly in your mouth. Some partials also include special hardware that locks the appliance with the surrounding teeth.
Dr. [doctor_name] will start treatment by examining your mouth and taking a few X-rays to assess any other questionable teeth. Should there be other teeth with issues in the area, those might also need to be extracted.
Once all questionable teeth have been addressed, your dentist will cast a detailed impression of the area. This includes the surrounding gums, neighboring teeth and the corresponding teeth in your bite. The impression will then be sent to a dental lab where your new partial will be custom made to match your mouth.
Even with the partial’s natural, secure fit, you might want to still use denture adhesive to secure it in place. The adhesive also helps block food particles from getting between the gums and your partial.
If you live in [city], [state], and you’re interested in being fitted for a custom, removable partial, you should call [phone] to schedule an appointment at [practice_name].