Dentists in San Francisco, CA offer partial dentures treatment for restoration of the smile after tooth loss

At West Portal Family Dentistry, patients have solutions to consider when they are faced with problems within the smile. This includes tooth loss. The loss of teeth, either through trauma, extraction, or conditions such as periodontal disease or tooth decay, can leave more than just a space in the smile. It can:

• Cause patients to feel self-conscious about the appearance of their smiles when they laugh, talk, or smile at others
• Cause the existing teeth to shift out of place, resulting in gaps and spaces
• Cause teeth to become misaligned, requiring further solutions such as orthodontics to repair
• Make it difficult for patients to speak clearly, especially if the tooth loss is near the front of the mouth
• Reduce chewing and biting efficiency, making it more difficult for patients to properly digest their foods

Our dentists can help patientsconsider the options available to them, including the fabrication and placement of partial dentures.

What are partial dentures?

The dentists at West Portal Family Dentistry describe partial dentures as special appliances that can be used to replace missing teeth. Partial dentures are fabricated with metal framework and acrylic. They snap into the dental arch, using the existing teeth for support, and provide a false tooth where the natural tooth once was. This helps in keeping the alignment of the teeth surrounding this area. The tooth fabricated to attach to the framework is created to match the existing teeth within the smile, including the proper shape, size, and color, so when the denture is worn, it is difficult to tell which tooth is the false one. Partial dentures are often covered in part or in full by dental insurance, so we recommend patients bring their dental insurance card to their first appointment, so our front office team can get individuals an appropriate quote.

What are the alternatives to a partial denture?

There are other solutions available to patients who are considering tooth replacement for a single tooth. A dental implant is the top-of-the-line option, offering permanent replacement of a tooth with a titanium post that is placed into the jawbone. However, implants can be rather expensive for some patients, and may not always be affordable for their budget. Another option is a dental bridge. A dental bridge uses the adjacent teeth to hold the restoration in place and allow for one or more false teeth to be fused together to create the appearance of a perfect dental arch. This also improves chewing and speaking efficiency. Bridges are bonded in place and do not have to be removed as a partial denture would. They are easy to care for and long lasting.

Why choose partial dentures?

Many patients choose partial dentures because they are affordable. Partial dentures are also easy to remove and replace, so they can be taken out and properly cleaned every day. The pitfall of partial dentures is that they do not help the patient maintain their bone density after the tooth has been extracted or lost.

Am I a candidate for partial dentures?

Almost everyone who is missing one or more teeth within a dental arch qualifies for the fabrication and placement of a partial denture. It is best for patients to book a consultation appointment with Drs. Terri M. Nguyen and Laura T. Huynh to discuss the options available to them and decide if partial dentures are best for their specific needs. They can learn about the alternatives that can be used and make an educated decision for their smile.

Want to learn more about treatment with partial dentures?

Drs. Terri M. Nguyen and Laura T. Huynh provide San Francisco, CA area patients with solutions for their smile if tooth loss is a concern. They are here to educate patients on their options and help them from start to finish throughout the process. Call the office at (415) 604-9292 and connect with our team to learn more about caring for and enhancing your smile! The practice is conveniently located at 26 West Portal Avenue in Suite #4.

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