The tooth that my partial denture clasp hooks onto hurts. Will I end up losing that tooth too?

It is true that a clasped tooth (an abutment tooth) carries a heavy load because it takes the force of the denture, but with good care it can last a long time. The pain may come from 1) the tooth loosening under the pressure of the clasp, 2) a cavity or gum inflammation caused by food trapped around the clasp, or 3) abnormal force from a distorted denture. Abutment teeth are vulnerable to decay and gum disease, so clean the area where the clasp sits especially carefully and come for a check-up every 6 months. However, if it already feels sensitive or loose, do not delay - coming in early improves the chance of saving the tooth.