To address partial tooth loss, prosthetic teeth are used to restore the lost teeth, reestablishing chewing function and aesthetics for the patient. Depending on the location of the lost tooth, the dentist will determine the most suitable restoration method.
Using a removable partial denture is also an effective way to address partial tooth loss. This method applies to cases where one or a few teeth are missing. Removable partial dentures are made with a plastic base and may or may not have metal clasps. They function to help the wearer chew and improve aesthetics similarly to natural teeth.
Before making adjustments to the restoration, the patient’s teeth need to be cleaned and prepared:
- Remove tartar.
- Fill any cavities, if present.
- Restore damage such as lost hard tissue of the teeth.
- Adjust any teeth with sharp edges based on parallel surveys.
- Extract any remaining tooth roots.
- Trim bony ridges in the jaw.
- Treat cases where the patient has low lip or cheek attachments.
- Deepen the vestibule if the patient has a shallow vestibular fold.
