singletooth

Singletooth is a term used in dentistry to refer to the restoration or replacement of a single missing or damaged tooth. The term is informal and not a standardized medical diagnosis; clinicians more often describe it as single-tooth restoration or single-tooth replacement. It covers a range of treatment options aimed at restoring function, aesthetics, and oral health for a single tooth.

Indications include localized tooth loss or damage where adjacent teeth do not require alteration for a broader prosthesis, or when a patient prefers a restoration limited to one area rather than a multi-tooth bridge or denture. Treatment choice depends on factors such as bone health, gum condition, occlusion, esthetic demands, and patient preferences.

Approaches commonly used for a single-tooth restoration are: dental implants with a crown; fixed dental bridges anchored to adjacent teeth; cantilever bridges in carefully selected cases; and resin-bonded (Maryland) bridges for minimal-preparation and cosmetic needs. Implants involve surgical placement of an artificial root, a healing period, and subsequent placement of an abutment and crown. Bridges require preparation of one or two neighboring teeth to support the prosthesis.

Outcomes and considerations vary by method. Implants typically offer high long-term survival and help preserve surrounding bone, with crowns often achieving roughly 90–95% survival at 10 years in many studies. Fixed bridges can last 10–15 years or longer with good oral hygiene and proper design. Potential complications include peri-implant infection or bone loss, bridge wear or failure, and impacts on adjacent teeth. See also dental implant, dental bridge, and prosthodontics.