Partial or full dentures: which teeth need replacing?
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Madhavi Bhoompalli, DDS, dentist and owner at Johns Creek Family Dentistry
Last reviewed: September 2026
The short answer
A partial denture replaces some missing teeth while natural teeth remain; a full denture replaces all teeth in an upper or lower arch. The choice follows the condition of the remaining teeth. A request for dentures should begin with an examination of what can reasonably be retained.
A removable dental prosthesis is a replacement you take out of your mouth. Partial dentures can use remaining teeth for retention, while conventional full dentures rest on the tissues of an otherwise toothless arch. These designs affect cleaning and the way the appliance is supported. The dentist should explain the proposed design in terms of your own teeth.
Timing also matters. An immediate denture is placed when teeth are removed, while a conventional denture is made after tissues have healed. Healing changes the supporting tissues, so adjustments may be needed. Ask which approach is proposed, what you will wear during healing, and whether later modifications form part of the quoted plan.
At the consultation, describe the foods you struggle with and whether appearance, stability, or ease of cleaning is your main concern. Bring any old dentures, even if you no longer wear them. Ask which natural teeth are healthy enough to keep and how they would be maintained around a partial denture. The most useful plan explains the reason for each proposed extraction or retained tooth, rather than treating a complete set as the default solution for every gap.
At Johns Creek Family Dentistry, Dr. Madhavi Bhoompalli, DDS provides dentures from one office on McGinnis Ferry Road. To talk it through, contact our Duluth office serving Johns Creek or call 770-814-7600.
This is general information, not medical advice; candidacy is determined by a dental provider.