Fibre reinforced composites--alternative for lost teeth replacement.

The loss of an anterior tooth can affect a patient psychologically and socially. This trauma can be minimized by the immediate replacement of the lost tooth, preferably using a fixed prosthesis. This paper describes the immediate replacement of anterior lost teeth by using fibre reinforced composite materials, although these techniques can be employed very successfully in the replacement of posterior teeth as well. The abutment teeth can be conserved, with little or no preparation, making this procedure truly minimally invasive and keeping the technique reversible. Additional advantages are that the procedure is completed at the chairside in a single visit, thereby avoiding laboratory costs and saving time while waiting for the finished prosthesis. This technique can be used as an interim measure or as a permanent prosthesis.