Temporary Solution for a Permanent Smile! Natural Tooth Pontic - A Report of Two Cases

Difficult esthetic situation of having to remove an anterior tooth because of trauma, advanced periodontal disease, root resorption or failed endodontic therapy are often encountered. Although a permanent replacement, may be planned after the tissues have healed, the options available for a good esthetic temporary prosthesis are limited. Acrylic removable partial dentures placed immediately after the tooth is extracted are bulky, may be uncomfortable for the patient, may impede healing and can present challenges in regard to matching color, size and shape. Using the natural tooth as a pontic offers the benefits of being the right size, shape and color. Moreover, the positive psychological value to the patient in using his or her natural tooth is an added benefit. When the crown of the tooth is in good condition, it can be temporarily bonded easily to the adjacent teeth with light-cured restorative material. This paper presents two cases of socially conscious patients who wanted to save their tooth, so natural tooth pontics were given to them.