Partial Dentures for Back Teeth Santa Monica, CA
Getting the right replacement for missing back teeth can make daily life more comfortable. Dentists also recommend teeth replacements as a way to maximize oral health after tooth loss. Removable partial dentures for back teeth are dentures designed to replace missing molars; they consist of teeth replacements attached to an acrylic base.
Removable partial dentures for back teeth are available at Cosmetic Dental Care of Santa Monica in Santa Monica and the surrounding area. Our dentists are available to discuss this and other teeth replacement options. Many patients find denture arches for back teeth an affordable way to maintain dental function and facial appearance.
Replacing missing back teeth is vital to your comfort, confidence, and dental health. Find out how denture arches for back teeth can improve your quality of life. Call us at (310) 570-2011 to make an appointment.
How Removable Partial Dentures Work
Generally, removable partial dentures consist of natural-looking tooth replacements connected to a flesh-colored base shaped to fit the patient's gums. Before making the dentures, the dentist uses an elastic material such as alginate to take an impression of the mouth. The material then solidifies, providing an outline of the gums to create the base.
In contrast to fixed solutions, such as bridges or implants, removable dentures can be taken out overnight and for cleaning after meals. As a result, many find them easier to clean thoroughly. However, as the shape of the gums and jawbone often changes gradually after extraction, it is normal to need occasional adjustments for a proper fit.
“Generally, removable partial dentures consist of natural-looking tooth replacements connected to a flesh-colored base shaped to fit the patient’s gums.”
Process of Getting Partial Dentures
The process of getting removable partial dentures for back teeth involves a few simple steps. We begin by taking an impression of the teeth and gums in order to curate the dentures to fit and match the surrounding area. Patients with any extractions may need to wait out the healing period before taking an impression. The impression is then sent to a lab that creates the custom-made dentures before the patient's next visit.
Since dentures replace missing teeth, there is still a chance that the mouth changes through tooth movement. This can cause other teeth to shift, become loose, or feel uncomfortable. We can make any adjustments to the dentures as needed to ensure the dentures are fitting well and the surrounding teeth, gums, and bone are intact.
“We begin by taking an impression of the teeth and gums in order to curate the dentures to fit and match the surrounding area.”
Benefits of Removable Partial Dentures for Back Teeth
According to statistics cited by the American College of Prosthodontists, as many as 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Removable partial dentures are the solution of choice for many of them. For those who are missing back teeth, dentures can provide the following benefits:
- Promotion of oral health. Dentures prevent adjacent teeth from moving out of place, as they tend to do when there are missing teeth. By keeping the configuration of the teeth close to normal, dentures reduce the risk of severe bone and gum problems developing later. Furthermore, when the remaining natural teeth maintain their position, there is a lessened chance of bone loss and cavities.
- Comfort chewing and speaking. After a short adjustment period, most patients can talk and chew normally with denture arches for back teeth. Molars perform the critical function of grinding down food for proper digestion and nutrition absorption. Dentures offer an effective solution for performing this function after the loss of one or more molars.
- Enhanced appearance. Although back teeth are not readily visible, their absence can affect appearance. Missing molars can result in a shrunken facial shape and atrophy of some facial muscles. Partial dentures prevent this from happening by maintaining the normal shape of the face.
“According to statistics cited by the American College of Prosthodontists, as many as 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth.”
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Other Options for Replacing Back Teeth
In addition to partial dentures for back teeth, patients may consider other solutions for missing molars. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The right choice for any individual patient depends on specific factors such as medical history, oral health, personal preferences, budget, and more. The dentists at Cosmetic Dental Care of Santa Monica help each patient can find the most effective option for you.
Implants are a popular teeth-replacement method. They have the advantage of being permanent, barring later complications. Implants also look and feel natural. However, their relatively high cost can make them impracticable for some. Implants also involve minor surgery and can necessitate bone grafts. Some health conditions can inhibit proper healing. For instance, an article reviewing study data in the International Journal of Implant Dentistry found that poorly controlled diabetes increases the risks of complications and implant failure.
Permanent bridges are another option for replacing the back teeth. This solution is possible if there are natural teeth or implants on both sides of the missing tooth. While there exists a cantilever bridge that attaches to one tooth, dentists prefer not to use it to replace the back teeth, as they take more pressure than a bridge should support.
“The right choice for any individual patient depends on specific factors such as medical history, oral health, personal preferences, budget, and more.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How do removable partial dentures work?
Q. What is the process of getting partial dentures?
Q. What are the benefits of removable partial dentures for back teeth?
Q. Are there other options for replacing back teeth?
People Also Ask
Q. Why are dentures a preferred treatment?
Q. How should people adjust to their new dentures?
Q. What are the different types of dentures?
Q. What is the process of getting partial dentures?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How often do I need to replace removable partial dentures for back teeth?
A. Partial dentures can last between five and 15 years. You can prolong their lifetime by practicing good oral hygiene and following your dentist's care instructions for your teeth replacements. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding hot water and harsh cleansers, which can damage the dentures or cause them to degrade quicker.
Q. Will I need crowns on my surrounding teeth to support denture arches for back teeth?
A. Most often, crowns are not necessary for a partial denture. However, if your dentist recommends a precision attachment rather than the usual metal clasp, you will need crowns if they are not already in place. The right option for each patient depends on a variety of factors, such as general dental health.
Q. Can I get removable partial dentures for back teeth if I have several missing molars?
A. Partial dentures can replace several teeth. If you have more than one missing tooth on one arch, the replacements can be fitted onto one denture, whether the missing teeth are contiguous or not.
Q. Are there any foods to avoid after getting denture arches for back teeth?
A. It can be easier to get used to eating with a partial denture if you start by cutting your food into small pieces. Stay away from sticky or hard foods to avoid damaging the dentures or putting too much pressure on them. When chewing, try to distribute the pressure evenly on both sides of the mouth.
Q. What should I do if my removable partial dentures for back teeth become cracked or chipped?
A. A damaged denture can irritate your mouth and lead to a poor fit. Cracks and other surface damage can also encourage bacterial growth. It is essential to see a dentist as soon as possible to repair or replace a damaged partial denture.
Q. What should I do if my denture arches for back teeth stopped fitting comfortably?
A. It is common to undergo some bone loss and gum changes after losing teeth. As a result, you may experience changes in the way your dentures fit. The dentist can adjust the denture for optimal fit and functionality.
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Denture Terminology
Discuss Back Teeth Replacement Options With a Qualified Dentist
A high-quality partial denture can be an effective replacement for missing molars. The right dental team can help you protect your dental health. Learn more about denture arches for back teeth by calling us at 310-570-2011 to schedule a visit.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
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