Natural teeth replacing artificial teeth in a partial denture: a case report.

The aesthetic replacement of anterior teeth in cases of immediate partial denture is always a challenging work for prosthodontists. There is always problem of matching size, colour, shade and shape of the replaced tooth with those of the natural teeth. It was most difficult to satisfy the patients who have high aesthetic demands. Here is a report of a case where patient's own natural tooth was used for replacement in an immediate partial denture. An immediate denture is defined as "any removable dental prosthesis which is fabricated for placement immediately, following the removal of a natural tooth/teeth" . Patients with missing anterior teeth lack an impressive appearance aesthetically and as well as psychologically. Tooth loss leads to a certain degree of loss of function. This loss of function might lead to an impairment of oral health which is related to quality of life. An immediate denture can replace 1-16 teeth in either the maxillary or the mandibular arch, or in both arches. The need for the immediate replacement of a missing tooth is more in case of an anterior tooth, where aesthetics is of prime concern. The replacement of an anterior tooth is most technique sensitive, as it includes the patient's expectations, which include, matching with proper shade, shape and size as those of his/her natural teeth. So, here is a case presentation where modern day patient expectations were taken into consideration.