What are the types of dentures used to replace a single tooth for Knoxville area patients?

Replacing a single tooth is more common of a procedure than Knoxville patients may think. There are several situations which may requires replacement of teeth including trauma to the mouth, disease, or even a failed root canal. Patients who are struggling with the idea of replacing a permanent tooth for life may feel overwhelmed at the options available to them and the thought of dealing with a restoration for many years. They may feel as though they are making the wrong decision. Dr. Pablo Foncea of Sequoyah Dental Arts wants patients to pursue the avenue of correction that is best for them, and for most, the first repair of choice is a partial denture.

A partial denture is a type of denture that is often used to replace a single tooth—or sometimes several missing teeth within the dental arch. It is a great first step, especially for patients who are trying to decide between more permanent solutions such as dental bridges and dental implants. They are affordable, often covered in part or in full by dental insurance plans, and are easy to use in order to recover the smile back to its original aesthetics. Dr. Pablo Foncea will suggest these until patients decide on other restorations for many reasons. First, it helps in maintaining the function and aesthetics of the smile. Second, it keeps the existing teeth from shifting out of place due to the loss of the natural tooth. Third, it gives them a chance to see if partial dentures are right for them before deciding on more permanent, expensive options for their smile.

Partial dentures are made of a metal framework and use false teeth adhered to them that slide into the appropriate spaces to restore the smile. They are easy to take in and out, attractive, and simple to clean and care for. They can be adjusted as necessary if there are any changes to the smile over the course of time. They are a wonderful first step in tooth replacement and Dr. Pablo Foncea finds that many patients are satisfied with them years after they have started using the dentures.

Other types of dentures include full dentures and implant-supported dentures, but these are chosen for patients who are missing an entire arch of teeth.

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