Natural tooth pontic using recent adhesive technologies : an esthetic and minimally invasive prosthetic solution

An implant-supported crown represents an established and validated option for single-tooth replacement; however, a restorative solution should be selected according to a wide number of factors including patient's desire, expectations, specific clinical conditions, and financial possibilities. The aim of this case report is to describe a conservative rehabilitation strategy for the replacement of a periodontally compromised mandibular incisor: the extracted natural tooth was used as a pontic bonded to adjacent elements with polyethylene fiber and resin composite. This way, a chairside fabrication of a resin-bonded fiber-reinforced prosthesis is possible, using the patient's own tooth. After showing a satisfactory functional and esthetic result, advantages and pitfalls of this technique along with available data on the literature regarding the natural tooth pontic are addressed. Both patients and clinicians should be aware of minimally invasive, successful solutions for single-tooth replacement; whether indicated or necessary, the natural tooth pontic technique leaves open other treatment options for the future.