Are dentures available to restore one missing tooth?

Whether a tooth comes out due to trauma or infection, you should replace it immediately. It applies to restoring a surgically removed tooth. It is because the space caused by a missing tooth is not just a cosmetic concern. Lacking a tooth in an arch would reduce contact with the opposing arch. Over time, the remaining teeth will undergo potential changes. It alters the way you bite, chew, and even the teeth alignment.

In simply, you are putting your dental health in great danger if you do not restore the extracted or avulsed tooth. Rehabilitating the entire dentition is also possible today. You have numerous options like single tooth implants, dental bridges, etc.

Do you know that you can get a removable partial denture for just one tooth? Keep reading to learn a little bit more about this restoration option.

What is meant by single tooth denture?

Single tooth denture (or) Flipper tooth is a custom-made partial denture consisting of a gum-colored plastic base with a fake tooth made up of acrylic. It contains a metal framework at the pink-colored base to keep the fake tooth in its place. Metal clasps are also included that ensure the denture fit properly by attaching it to the nearby tooth on either side.

Apart from helping to get rid of the unsightly smile, the dental flipper restores the tooth’s functionality considerably. Despite being used as a temporary tooth replacement until permanent restoration procedures are performed, single tooth dentures have high success rates.

Who are the right candidates for getting single tooth dentures?

This is a simple dental restoration procedure and the fake tooth can be fitted quickly without surgeries. This implies that people who have healthy gums irrespective of their age, and sex can get flipper tooth. Meanwhile, each person’s eligibility for getting this restoration differs.

Hence, dental doctors determine if a single tooth denture is a right restoration for a patient after evaluating the condition of the gum health, remaining teeth, and mouth.

What are the advantages of flipper one tooth?

The following are some of the advantages of using single tooth dentures to replace a missing tooth:

• Natural appearance – As the flipper tooth is made up of acrylic substance and is attached to a pink-colored plastic base that mimics the gum, no one can detect the fake tooth easily.
• Easy to wear – The single tooth dentures can be prepared within 1 or 2 days. Likewise, they can be worn easily without any surgeries. If you want, you can use agents like adhesive creams to make the denture fit better.
• Stability – Similar to other dental restorations, filling the gap caused by a missing tooth with a temporary dental flipper also takes care of stabilizing the remaining teeth. It means the remaining teeth are kept from shifting.
• Inexpensive solution – The flipper teeth are low in price when compared to other dental restorative solutions.

What are the limitations of using single tooth dentures?

Despite being highly convenient, the removable partial denture to replace a missing tooth holds the following disadvantages.

• Less Durability – The constituents of dentures are delicate materials. So the flipper tooth is highly susceptible to getting cracks. Even though it allows you to bite and chew, it cannot withstand extensive biting forces.
• Risk of gum recession –When a dental flipper is placed over the gums, saliva flow to that particular region is obstructed. As saliva tends to keep the gums clean and prevent recession, gum recession will occur when salivary flow is blocked to a specific area of the gums.
• Allergies – The composition of denture teeth contributes to allergic responses for some people. Similarly, wearing it for a long time applies constant pressure on the underlying gum tissues. It also leads to irritations and allergies.

If you want a lightweight, affordable solution to restore a missing tooth, flipper tooth will suit your needs. However, it is supposed to wear temporarily. If you want to wear single tooth dentures permanently, consult your dentist.