[Considerations of single tooth replacement. The choice between different treatment options]

When a single tooth is lost both functional and aesthetic aspects have to be restored. A fixed prosthodontic restoration such as a conventional bridge, a resin-bonded bridge or a solitary implant is the treatment of choice. The final choice between these three treatment modalities strongly depends upon specific characteristics in the patients' dentition and his preferences. There is a vast amount of clinical experience with the conventional fixed bridge and it is available in every dental office. Without a doubt the resin-bonded bridge is the cheapest option. However, the patient does run the risk of loosening of the bridge, usually at an inconvenient moment. It then has to be recemented or replaced. The solitary implant has several advantages over the fixed and resin-bonded bridge. For optimal results, it does require a physician with a vast experience in the field of oral implantology. For young individuals closure of the diastema by means of orthodontics is also possible. A partial denture is only an option as a temporary provision or when more teeth were lost or are bound to be lost.