How to Add a Tooth to a Partial Denture

Losing another natural tooth does not always mean starting over with a new partial denture. In many cases, a denture lab can add a replacement tooth to the partial you already wear, so it fills the new gap and keeps working the way you are used to.

When a tooth can be added to a partial

Adding a tooth usually works when the partial still fits well and its base or metal framework can reach the new gap. Acrylic partials are often the simplest to add to. Partials with a cast metal framework can often have a tooth added too, but the lab has to check how the new tooth will attach. Our post on metal framework repair explains why.

Sometimes adding a tooth is not the best option, for example if the partial was already loose, if several teeth are changing at once, or if the tooth that was lost held a clasp. Your dentist can advise you if the partial needs to be redesigned.

What the lab needs

• Your partial denture.

• An impression of your mouth with the partial in place, usually taken by your dentist, so the new tooth is placed exactly where the gap is.

• A note on which tooth was lost and when, and whether the partial feels different since.

Without an impression, the lab cannot see where your gums and remaining teeth are now, so the new tooth may not sit correctly. If you are not sure what you need, call us before you come in.

How the tooth is added

The technician picks a tooth that matches the shape and shade of the teeth already on your partial, positions it on the model from your impression, and bonds it to the base with denture acrylic. If the lost tooth held a clasp, a new clasp or retention may be needed as well. See How to Repair a Loose Denture Clasp Safely.

Adding a tooth vs. replacing a denture tooth

Adding a tooth fills a new gap left by a natural tooth. Replacing a denture tooth means one of the artificial teeth on the partial or full denture broke or fell off. That repair is covered in How to Replace a Missing Denture Tooth Safely.

Cost and timing

Adding a tooth usually costs much less than a new partial. The price and time depend on the type of partial and whether a clasp is involved. Our guides to denture repair cost and turnaround time explain what to expect.

Denture Repair Laboratory is at 62 Montvale Ave, Unit J-2, Stoneham, MA. We are open Monday to Friday 8 am to 6 pm and Saturday 9 am to 12 pm. Walk in, call (781) 526-8688, or send us a photo from our homepage for an estimate.