Replace Missing Teeth With Partial Dentures In The Coachella Valley
Dr. Luzar Restores Smiles With Removable Partial Dentures Or Implant-Retained Partials
If you are missing teeth, your dentist may suggest a removable partial denture (an RPD or a “partial”) to fill the gap. This removable dental appliance attaches to nearby teeth with a clasp known as a precision attachment. For the 43.7% of adults in the U.S who have had a tooth extracted, a partial is an affordable way to retain a beautiful smile. Since, according to The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, the average person over 65 has about 19 out of 32 original teeth, many people need some type of dental prosthetic for aesthetics and function.
Aside from appearance, having missing teeth also impacts your speech and ability to chew and may lead to bone loss that allow the lower third of the face to collapse.
An RPD places the artificial teeth in a gum-colored base made from a low-irritant metal such as titanium or cobalt which conducts hot and cold or from a metal-free high-performance polymer. While the metal framework for the RPD is strong, slim, and natural feeling in the mouth, patients are hypersensitive to the metal. Also, the metal clasps can irritate mouth tissue, break down adjacent teeth, contribute to a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, and over time, become distorted.
The newer polymer-based alternative materials are even lighter than the metal frameworks, as well as more natural looking, less expensive, and easier to repair. Since they do not conduct heat and cold very well, they may feel less natural in the mouth. Additional downsides are that polymer appliances can become brittle, break down, and leach chemicals.
When you decide on a partial, your dentist will make impression of your mouth once the extraction site is healed and then have the appliance custom made at a dental lab. After he puts it in your mouth, you should wear it all the time at first to determine if adjustments are necessary; once it is comfortable, you can remove it at night. Over time, as your jaw recedes, the partial may become loose or uncomfortable, but the dentist can make further adjustments to ensure a perfect fit.
Having a partial may not stem bone loss. An alternative way to replace missing teeth and prevent bone loss is with an implant-retained partial that supports a span of replacement teeth with surgically implanted posts at either side of the bridge. If you have healthy gums, bone substantial enough to support the implants, and a willingness to commit to proper oral care, an implant-retain partial bridge offers a more natural feel, function, and appearance. As long as you have no chronic disease, hemophilia, or immune system deficiencies, your doctor may suggest implants.
Installing an implant involves a surgical procedure followed by a waiting period until the implant post integrates with the bone. There is usually a waiting period before the new teeth are affixed to the post, unless you qualify for the new TeethExpress type of implants.
Implants are often the best solution for teeth replacement, but the cost is significantly more than a removable partial.
If you have missing teeth, Dr. Luzar can present you with several options for filling the gap and restoring your smile. Call us today at (760) 674-8881.
As a dental consumer, you have the right to know the pro’s and con’s of any procedure, your treatment options, and the out-of-pocket cost to you. We provide you with the information you need to might the right choice of treatments for you.
To learn more about our services, or to schedule an examination, call (760) 674-8881.
