One of the most common partial denture repairs is to replace or add a new tooth to a pre-existing partial due to tooth loss. Laser welding a wrought wire loop to the major connector for retention of an acrylic tooth allows repairs to be accomplished in one day.
Be sure the dentist takes a pick-up impression of the partial denture (preferably alginate). Pour the impression with a quality die stone and be sure the partial doesn’t vibrate loose while pouring.
Allow gypsum to set completely, then gently separate the impression.
Use a three-prong plier to bend a piece of 18-gauge stainless steel wrought wire into a loop that fits the edentulous area and overlaps the major connector by 2 to 3mm with intimate metal-to-metal contact. Be certain to thoroughly clean the major connector before laser welding.
Set the welding unit at 230v x 12Ms x 2.5Hz x 1mm depth. Use the multi-pulse mode if your welder is equipped with that feature; otherwise, 20 to 30 single pulses are required to achieve an adequate weld.
Finish the completed weld with a fine stone bur and steam clean. The partial denture is now ready to accept the additional denture tooth.