Pontics in fpd

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INDIAN DENTAL ACADEMY
Leader in continuing dental education
www.indiandentalacademy.com
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The pontic, orartificial tooth, is the raisonThe pontic, orartificial tooth, is the raison
d’etre of a fixed partial denture.d’etre of a fixed partial denture.
Its name is derived from theIts name is derived from the
LatinLatin ponspons, meaning bridge., meaning bridge.
It is not a simple replacement, becauseIt is not a simple replacement, because
placing an exact anatomic replica of the toothplacing an exact anatomic replica of the tooth
in the space would be hygienicallyin the space would be hygienically
unmanageable.unmanageable.
The design of the prosthetic tooth will beThe design of the prosthetic tooth will be
dictated by esthetics, function, ease ofdictated by esthetics, function, ease of
cleaning, maintenance of healthy tissue on thecleaning, maintenance of healthy tissue on the
edentulous ridge, and patient comfort.edentulous ridge, and patient comfort.www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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DEFINITION,DEFINITION, (GPT -(GPT -
7)7)
AN ARTIFICIAL TOOTH ONAN ARTIFICIAL TOOTH ON
A FPD THAT REPLACES AA FPD THAT REPLACES A
MISSING NATURAL TEETH,MISSING NATURAL TEETH,
RESTORES FUNCTION, &RESTORES FUNCTION, &
USUALLY FILLS THE SPACEUSUALLY FILLS THE SPACE
PREVIOUSLY OCCUPIED BYPREVIOUSLY OCCUPIED BY
THE CLINICAL CROWN.THE CLINICAL CROWN.
www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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REQUIREMENTREQUIREMENT
Therequirementsof apontic areto:Therequirementsof apontic areto:
1.1. Restore function.Restore function.
2.2. Provide esthetics and comfort.Provide esthetics and comfort.
3.3. Be biologically acceptable.Be biologically acceptable.
4.4. Permit effective oral hygiene.Permit effective oral hygiene.
5.5. Preserve underlying residual mucosaPreserve underlying residual mucosa
6.6. Adequate strengthAdequate strength
7.7. ColourstabilityColourstability
8.8. Non irritantNon irritant
9.9. Do not overload the abutment toothDo not overload the abutment tooth
Theserequirementsform thebasisfor thedesign ofTheserequirementsform thebasisfor thedesign of
pontics.pontics. www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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PRINCIPLES OFPONTICPRINCIPLES OFPONTIC
DESIGNDESIGN
1.1. CleansabilityCleansability
2.2. AppearanceAppearance
3.3. StrengthStrength

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CLEANSABILITYCLEANSABILITY
 All surfaces of the pontic,All surfaces of the pontic,
especially " adjacent to theespecially " adjacent to the
saddle, should be made assaddle, should be made as
cleansable as possible.cleansable as possible.
 They must be smooth andThey must be smooth and
highly polished orglazed, nothighly polished orglazed, not
contain any junctions betweencontain any junctions between
materials.materials.
 The embrasure space andThe embrasure space and
connectors should be smoothconnectors should be smoothwww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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APPEARANCEAPPEARANCE
 Where the full length of theWhere the full length of the
pontic is visible, it must look aspontic is visible, it must look as
tooth like as possible.tooth like as possible.
 In premolarand first molarIn premolarand first molar
region it is often possible toregion it is often possible to
strike a happy compromisestrike a happy compromise
between reasonablebetween reasonable
appearances forthose parts ofappearances forthose parts of
the pontic that are visible andthe pontic that are visible and
good access forcleaning towardsgood access forcleaning towardswww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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STRENGTHSTRENGTH
 The longerthe span, theThe longerthe span, the
greaterthe occlusal gingivalgreaterthe occlusal gingival
thickness of the pontic shouldthickness of the pontic should
be.be.
 All pontics should beAll pontics should be
designed to withstand occlusaldesigned to withstand occlusal
forces; but porcelain pontics inforces; but porcelain pontics in
the anteriorpart of the mouththe anteriorpart of the mouth
may not of course be accepted tomay not of course be accepted towww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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PRINCIPLEPRINCIPLE
CONSIDERATIONSINCONSIDERATIONSIN
PONTIC DESIGNINGPONTIC DESIGNING
 Biological considerationBiological consideration
 Esthetic considerationEsthetic consideration
 Mechanical ConsiderationMechanical Consideration

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BIOLOGICALCONSIDERATIONBIOLOGICALCONSIDERATION
 The biologic principles ofThe biologic principles of
pontic design pertain to thepontic design pertain to the
maintenance andmaintenance and
preservation of the residualpreservation of the residual
ridge, abutment and opposingridge, abutment and opposing
teeth, and supporting tissue.teeth, and supporting tissue.

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RIDGE CONTACTRIDGE CONTACT
 Pressure free contact between thePressure free contact between the
pontic and the underlying tissues ispontic and the underlying tissues is
indicated to prevent ulceration andindicated to prevent ulceration and
inflammation of the soft tissues.inflammation of the soft tissues.
 If any blanching of the soft tissueIf any blanching of the soft tissue
is observed at try-in, the pressureis observed at try-in, the pressure
area should be identified with aarea should be identified with a
disclosing medium (i.e., pressure-disclosing medium (i.e., pressure-
indicating paste) and the pontic reindicating paste) and the pontic re
contoured until tissue contact iscontoured until tissue contact is
entirely passive.entirely passive.

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 This passive contactThis passive contact
should occurexclusively onshould occurexclusively on
keratinized attached tissue.keratinized attached tissue.
 When a pontic rests onWhen a pontic rests on
mucosa, some ulcerationmucosa, some ulceration
may appearas a result ofmay appearas a result of
the normal movement ofthe normal movement of
the mucosa in contact withthe mucosa in contact with
the pontic.the pontic.www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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ORAL HYGIENEORAL HYGIENE
CONSIDERATIONSCONSIDERATIONS The chief cause of ridge irritationThe chief cause of ridge irritation
is the toxins released from microbialis the toxins released from microbial
plaque, which accumulate betweenplaque, which accumulate between
the gingival surface of the ponticthe gingival surface of the pontic
and the residual ridge, causingand the residual ridge, causing
tissue inflammation and calculustissue inflammation and calculus
formation.formation.
 Patients must be taught efficientPatients must be taught efficient
oral hygiene techniques, withoral hygiene techniques, with
particularemphasis on cleaning theparticularemphasis on cleaning the
gingival surface of the pontic.gingival surface of the pontic.

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 Where tissue contact occurs,Where tissue contact occurs,
the gingival surface of a ponticthe gingival surface of a pontic
is inaccessible to the bristles of ais inaccessible to the bristles of a
toothbrush. Therefore, excellenttoothbrush. Therefore, excellent
hygiene habits must behygiene habits must be
developed by the patient.developed by the patient.
 Devices such as proxyDevices such as proxy
brushes, pipe cleaners, superbrushes, pipe cleaners, super
floss, and dental floss with afloss, and dental floss with a
threaderare highlythreaderare highly
recommended.

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PONTIC MATERIALPONTIC MATERIAL

Any material chosen to fabricateAny material chosen to fabricate
the pontic should provide goodthe pontic should provide good
esthetic results where needed;esthetic results where needed;
biocompatibility, rigidity, andbiocompatibility, rigidity, and
strength to withstand occlusalstrength to withstand occlusal
forces; and longevity.forces; and longevity.
 FPDs should be made as rigid asFPDs should be made as rigid as
possible, because any flexurepossible, because any flexure
during mastication orPara functionduring mastication orPara function
may cause pressure on the gingivamay cause pressure on the gingivawww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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
Metal ceramic pontics areMetal ceramic pontics are
stifferand withstandstifferand withstand
occlusal forces betterifocclusal forces betterif
they are made fairly thickthey are made fairly thick
and if the porcelain isand if the porcelain is
carried right round themcarried right round them
,from the occlusal to the,from the occlusal to the
ridge surface, leaving onlyridge surface, leaving only
a line of metal visible ona line of metal visible on
the lingual surface ornonethe lingual surface ornonewww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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 Occlusal contacts should notOcclusal contacts should not
fall on the junction betweenfall on the junction between
metal and porcelain duringmetal and porcelain during
centric oreccentric toothcentric oreccentric tooth
contacts, norshould a metalcontacts, norshould a metal
ceramic junction occurin contactceramic junction occurin contact
with the residual ridge on thewith the residual ridge on the
gingival surface of the pontic.gingival surface of the pontic.

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OCCLUSAL FORCESOCCLUSAL FORCES

Potentially harmful forcesPotentially harmful forces
are more likely to encounterare more likely to encounter
if an FPDis loaded by anif an FPDis loaded by an
accidental biting on a hardaccidental biting on a hard
object orPara functionalobject orPara functional
activities like bruxism ratheractivities like bruxism rather
than by chewing food ofthan by chewing food of
uniform consistency.uniform consistency.www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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 These forces are not reduced byThese forces are not reduced by
narrowing the occlusal tablenarrowing the occlusal table
 Narrowing the occlusal table mayNarrowing the occlusal table may
impede oreven preclude theimpede oreven preclude the
development of harmonious anddevelopment of harmonious and
stable occlusal relationship.stable occlusal relationship.
 Forthese reasons pontic withForthese reasons pontic with
normal occlusal width of at least onnormal occlusal width of at least on
the occlusal third are generallythe occlusal third are generally
recommendedrecommendedwww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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CONSIDERATIONSCONSIDERATIONS

Mechanical problems may beMechanical problems may be
caused by improperchoice ofcaused by improperchoice of
materials, poorframework design,materials, poorframework design,
poortooth preparation, orpoorpoortooth preparation, orpoor
occlusion.occlusion.
 These factors can lead to fractureThese factors can lead to fracture
of the prosthesis ordisplacement ofof the prosthesis ordisplacement of
the retainers.the retainers.
 Long-span posteriorFPDs areLong-span posteriorFPDs are
particularly susceptible to mechanicalparticularly susceptible to mechanical
problems.problems.

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Failure of a long span metalFailure of a long span metal
ceramic FPDdue to highceramic FPDdue to high
stressstress www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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 A strong all-metal ponticA strong all-metal pontic
may be needed in high-stressmay be needed in high-stress
situations ratherthan a metal-situations ratherthan a metal-
ceramic pontic which would be moreceramic pontic which would be more
susceptible to fracture.susceptible to fracture.
 When metal ceramic pontics areWhen metal ceramic pontics are
chosen, extending porcelain ontochosen, extending porcelain onto
the occlusal surfaces to achievethe occlusal surfaces to achieve
betteresthetics should also bebetteresthetics should also be
carefully evaluated.carefully evaluated.

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AVAILABLE PONTICAVAILABLE PONTIC
MATERIALSMATERIALS
 Some fixed partial dentures areSome fixed partial dentures are
fabricated entirely of metal,fabricated entirely of metal,
porcelain, oracrylic resin, but mostporcelain, oracrylic resin, but most
use a combination of metal anduse a combination of metal and
porcelain.porcelain.
 Acrylic resin veneered ponticsAcrylic resin veneered pontics
have had limited acceptancehave had limited acceptance
because of theirreduced durabilitybecause of theirreduced durability
(wearand discoloration).(wearand discoloration).www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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 The newerindirectThe newerindirect
composites, based on highcomposites, based on high
inorganic-filled resins andinorganic-filled resins and
the fiber-reinforcedthe fiber-reinforced
materials used inmaterials used in
composite resin and resin-composite resin and resin-
veneered pontics.veneered pontics.www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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Metal-ceramicMetal-ceramic
PonticsPontics..
Most pontics are
fabricated by the metal-ceramic
technique.
A well fabricated metal-A well fabricated metal-
ceramicceramic pontic is strong, easypontic is strong, easy
to keep clean,to keep clean, and looksand looks
natural.natural. www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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Resin veneeredResin veneered
Pontics.Pontics.
Historically acrylic resin-veneeredHistorically acrylic resin-veneered
restorations had deficiencies thatrestorations had deficiencies that
made them acceptable only asmade them acceptable only as
longerterm provisionals.longerterm provisionals.
 Theirresistance to abrasion wasTheirresistance to abrasion was
lowerthan enamel orporcelain, andlowerthan enamel orporcelain, and
noticeable wearoccurs with normalnoticeable wearoccurs with normal
tooth brushing.tooth brushing.

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There are certain advantagesThere are certain advantages
to using polymeric materials insteadto using polymeric materials instead
of ceramics.of ceramics.
– They are easy to manipulate andThey are easy to manipulate and
repairand do not require the highrepairand do not require the high
melting range alloys neededmelting range alloys needed forfor
metal-ceramic techniques.metal-ceramic techniques.
– New generation indirect resinNew generation indirect resin
have a higherdensityhave a higherdensity ofof
inorganic ceramic fillerthaninorganic ceramic fillerthan
traditional direct and indirecttraditional direct and indirectwww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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FIBER REINFORCEDFIBER REINFORCED
COMPOSITE RESIN PONTICSCOMPOSITE RESIN PONTICS
 Composite resin can beComposite resin can be
used in FPDwithout a metalused in FPDwithout a metal
substructuresubstructure
 A substructure matrix ofA substructure matrix of
impregnated glass orpolymerimpregnated glass orpolymer
fiberprovides structuralfiberprovides structural
strengthstrength.. www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

3535
ESTHETICESTHETIC
CONSIDERATIONSCONSIDERATIONS No matterhow well biologic andNo matterhow well biologic and
mechanical principles have beenmechanical principles have been
followed during fabrication, the patientfollowed during fabrication, the patient
will evaluate the result by how it looks,will evaluate the result by how it looks,
especially when anteriorteeth haveespecially when anteriorteeth have
been replaced.been replaced.
 Many esthetic considerations thatMany esthetic considerations that
pertain to single crowns also apply topertain to single crowns also apply to
the pontic. Several problems unique tothe pontic. Several problems unique to
the pontic may be encountered whenthe pontic may be encountered when
attempting to achieve a naturalattempting to achieve a natural
appearance.appearance.

3636
THE GINGIVALTHE GINGIVAL
INTERFACEINTERFACE
 An esthetically successfulAn esthetically successful
pontic SHOULDreplicate thepontic SHOULDreplicate the
form, contours, incisal edge,form, contours, incisal edge,
gingival and incisal embrasures,gingival and incisal embrasures,
and colorof adjacent teeth.and colorof adjacent teeth.
 The pontics simulation of aThe pontics simulation of a
natural tooth is most oftennatural tooth is most often
betrayed at the tissue-ponticbetrayed at the tissue-pontic
interface.interface.

3737
 The greatest challenge here is toThe greatest challenge here is to
compensate foranatomic changes thatcompensate foranatomic changes that
occurafterextraction. Special attentionoccurafterextraction. Special attention
should be paid to the contourof theshould be paid to the contourof the
labial surface as it approaches thelabial surface as it approaches the
pontic-tissue junction to achieve apontic-tissue junction to achieve a
natural appearancenatural appearance
 This cannot be accomplished by merelyThis cannot be accomplished by merely
duplicating the facial contourof theduplicating the facial contourof the
missing tooth, because aftera tooth ismissing tooth, because aftera tooth is
removed, the alveolarbone undergoesremoved, the alveolarbone undergoes
resorption and/orremodelingresorption and/orremodeling..www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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 If the pontic is poorlyIf the pontic is poorly
adapted to the residual ridge,adapted to the residual ridge,
there will be an un naturalthere will be an un natural
shadow in the cervical area butshadow in the cervical area but
looks odd and spoils thelooks odd and spoils the
illusion of the natural tooth.illusion of the natural tooth.
 Additional recesses acquiringAdditional recesses acquiring
at the gingival interface willat the gingival interface will
collect food debris furthercollect food debris further
betraying the illusion of thebetraying the illusion of thewww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

3939
SPECFICATIONS FOR PONTICSPECFICATIONS FOR PONTIC
DESIGN:DESIGN:
ANTERIOR PONTIC DESIGNANTERIOR PONTIC DESIGN
 All surfaces should beAll surfaces should be
smooth and convex andsmooth and convex and
properly finishedproperly finished
 Contact with the labialContact with the labial
mucosa should be minimal andmucosa should be minimal and
pressure freepressure free
 Esthetics may require a longEsthetics may require a long
area of contact to prevent thearea of contact to prevent thewww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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POSTERIOR PONTICPOSTERIOR PONTIC
DESIGNDESIGN All surfaces should be convex andAll surfaces should be convex and
properly finishproperly finish
 Contact with buccal contagious slopeContact with buccal contagious slope
should be minimal and pressure freeshould be minimal and pressure free
 Buccal and lingual shunting mechanismBuccal and lingual shunting mechanism
should confirm to that of adjacent teethshould confirm to that of adjacent teeth
 The occlusal table must be in functionalThe occlusal table must be in functional
harmony with the occlusion of all theharmony with the occlusion of all the
teeth.teeth.
 The overall length of the buccal surfaceThe overall length of the buccal surface
should be equal to that of the adjacentshould be equal to that of the adjacent
abutment teethabutment teeth

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CCLLAASSSSIIFFIICCAATTIIOO
NN
OOFF
PONTICPONTIC
S www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

4242
II BASED ON RELATIONBASED ON RELATION
TOTO SOFT TISSUESSOFT TISSUES
A -A -Mucosal contactMucosal contact
– ridge lap/saddleridge lap/saddle
– modified ridge lapmodified ridge lap
– ovateovate
– conicalconical
B-B- No Mucosal contactNo Mucosal contact
 sanitary (hygienic)sanitary (hygienic)
 modified sanitary(hygienic)modified sanitary(hygienic)

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IIII BASED ON MATERIALSBASED ON MATERIALS
USEDUSED
A -A - MetallicMetallic
– Gold alloysGold alloys
– Nickel chromium alloyNickel chromium alloy
B -B - Non MetallicNon Metallic
 AcrylicAcrylic
 PorcelainPorcelain
C -C - CombinationCombination-alloys with acrylic or-alloys with acrylic or
porcelainporcelain www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

4444
IIIIII PRE FABRICATEDPRE FABRICATED
PONTICSPONTICS
 TruponticTrupontic
 Interchangeable facingInterchangeable facing
 Pin facingPin facing
 Modified pin facingModified pin facing
 Reverse pin facingReverse pin facing
 Harmony facingHarmony facing
 Porcelain fused to metalPorcelain fused to metalwww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

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IVIV BASED ON TYPE OFBASED ON TYPE OF
RETENTION USED FORRETENTION USED FOR
FACINGFACING
 Pins, rails, post and coresPins, rails, post and cores
 Bonded to metal – in caseBonded to metal – in case
of porcelainof porcelain
 Mechanical inter locking –Mechanical inter locking –
under cut –acrylicunder cut –acrylic

4646
PRE TREATMENTPRE TREATMENT
ASSESMENTASSESMENT
PONTIC SPACE.
TISSUE CONTACT.
POSTINSERTION
HYGIENE.

4747
PONTIC SPACEPONTIC SPACE
 One function of an FPDis toOne function of an FPDis to
prevent tilting ordrifting ofprevent tilting ordrifting of
the adjacent teeth into thethe adjacent teeth into the
edentulous space.edentulous space.
 If such movement has alreadyIf such movement has already
occurred, the space availableoccurred, the space available
forthe pontic may be reducedforthe pontic may be reduced
and its fabricationand its fabricationwww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

4848
 At this point, creating anAt this point, creating an
acceptable appearance withoutacceptable appearance without
orthodontic repositioning of theorthodontic repositioning of the
abutment teeth is oftenabutment teeth is often
impossible particularly if estheticimpossible particularly if esthetic
is important.is important.
 When orthodontic repositioningWhen orthodontic repositioning
is not possible, increasing theis not possible, increasing the
proximal contours of theproximal contours of the
adjacent teeth may be betteradjacent teeth may be betterwww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

4949
TISSUE CONTACTTISSUE CONTACT
 The extent and shape of the ponticThe extent and shape of the pontic
contact with the ridge is verycontact with the ridge is very
important.important.
 Excessive tissue contact has beenExcessive tissue contact has been
cited as a majorfactorin the failurecited as a majorfactorin the failure
of fixed partial dentures.of fixed partial dentures.
 The area of contact between theThe area of contact between the
pontic and the ridge should be smallpontic and the ridge should be small
and the portion of the ponticand the portion of the pontic
touching the ridge should be astouching the ridge should be as
convex as possible.convex as possible.

5151
 If there is contact along theIf there is contact along the
gingivofacial angle of the pontic,gingivofacial angle of the pontic,
there must be no space betweenthere must be no space between
pontic and soft tissue on thepontic and soft tissue on the
facial side of the ridge.facial side of the ridge.
 If the tip of the pontic extendsIf the tip of the pontic extends
past the mucogingival junction,past the mucogingival junction,
an ulcerwill form there.an ulcerwill form there.
 The pontic should contact onlyThe pontic should contact only
attached keratinized gingivaattached keratinized gingivawww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

5252
Post insertion HygienePost insertion Hygiene
 Mesial distal and lingual gingivalMesial distal and lingual gingival
embrasure of the pontic should beembrasure of the pontic should be
wide open to allow the patient easywide open to allow the patient easy
access forcleaningaccess forcleaning
 The contact between the pontic andThe contact between the pontic and
tissue must allow the passage oftissue must allow the passage of
floss from one retainerto the otherfloss from one retainerto the other
 Good hygiene around and undertheGood hygiene around and underthe
pontic with dental floss,pontic with dental floss,
interproximal brushes orpipeinterproximal brushes orpipewww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

5353
Even the smoothest ponticEven the smoothest pontic
surface must be cleaned wellsurface must be cleaned well
and often to prevent theand often to prevent the
accumulation of plaque.accumulation of plaque.
If cleaning is not done atIf cleaning is not done at
frequent, regularintervals, thefrequent, regularintervals, the
tissue around the pontic willtissue around the pontic will
become inflamed.become inflamed.www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

5454
 Pontics designed forplacement in thePontics designed forplacement in the
appearance zone (areas of highappearance zone (areas of high
visibility) must produce illusion ofvisibility) must produce illusion of
being teeth, esthetically, withoutbeing teeth, esthetically, without
compromising cleaning ability.compromising cleaning ability.
 Those pontics placed in theThose pontics placed in the
nonappearance zone (usuallynonappearance zone (usually
mandibularposteriorreplacements)mandibularposteriorreplacements)
are there to restore function andare there to restore function and
prevent the drifting of teeth.prevent the drifting of teeth.

5555
DESIGDESIG
NN
Success of the FPDSuccess of the FPD
depends on the ponticdepends on the pontic
design.design.

5656
 According to Eissmann, theAccording to Eissmann, the
boundaries of the edentulous spaceboundaries of the edentulous space
are the residual ridge, the opposingare the residual ridge, the opposing
occlusal surface, the proximalocclusal surface, the proximal
surfaces of the abutment teeth, andsurfaces of the abutment teeth, and
the musculature of the tongue andthe musculature of the tongue and
cheek orlips.cheek orlips.
 The design consists of constructingThe design consists of constructing
a substitute tooth that favorablya substitute tooth that favorably
compares in form, function, andcompares in form, function, andwww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

5757
Pontic DesignsPontic Designs
There are several designs available forThere are several designs available for
useuse in situations requiringin situations requiring
pontics inpontics in the fabrication ofthe fabrication of
FPDs.They are:FPDs.They are:
Hygienic,Hygienic,
Saddle (Ridge Lap),Saddle (Ridge Lap),
Modified Ridge Lap,Modified Ridge Lap,
Conical,Conical,
Ovate,Ovate,
Prefabricated Pontic Facings, &Prefabricated Pontic Facings, &www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

5858
SanitarySanitary oror Hygienic PonticHygienic Pontic
 The term hygienic is used toThe term hygienic is used to
describe pontics that have nodescribe pontics that have no
contact with the edentulouscontact with the edentulous
ridge.ridge.
 As its name implies, theAs its name implies, the
primary design feature of theprimary design feature of the
sanitary pontic allows easysanitary pontic allows easy
cleaning, because its tissuecleaning, because its tissue
surface remains clearof thesurface remains clearof the
residual ridgeresidual ridge.. www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

6060
 This pontic design is frequentlyThis pontic design is frequently
called a "sanitary pontic," which incalled a "sanitary pontic," which in
years past was the trade name foryears past was the trade name for
a prefabricated, convex facinga prefabricated, convex facing
with’ a slot back, used forwith’ a slot back, used for
mandibularmolarpontics 'mandibularmolarpontics '
 This hygienic design permits easierThis hygienic design permits easier
plaque control by allowing gauzeplaque control by allowing gauze
strips and othercleaning devicesstrips and othercleaning devices
to be passed underthe pontic andto be passed underthe pontic and
seesawed in shoe-shine fashion.seesawed in shoe-shine fashion.

6161
 The hygienic pontic is used inThe hygienic pontic is used in
the nonappearance zone,the nonappearance zone,
particularly forreplacingparticularly forreplacing
mandibularfirst molars. Itmandibularfirst molars. It
restores occlusal function andrestores occlusal function and
stabilizes adjacent andstabilizes adjacent and
opposing teeth. If there is noopposing teeth. If there is no
requirement foresthetics, itrequirement foresthetics, it
can be made entirely ofcan be made entirely ofwww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

6262
 The occlusogingival thicknessThe occlusogingival thickness
of the pontic should be noof the pontic should be no
less than 3.0 mm. and thereless than 3.0 mm. and there
should be adequate spaceshould be adequate space
underit to facilitate cleaning.underit to facilitate cleaning.
The hygienic pontic isThe hygienic pontic is
frequently made overall-frequently made overall-
convex configuration,convex configuration,
faciolingually andfaciolingually and
mesiodistallymesiodistally

6363
 Making the undersurface of theMaking the undersurface of the
pontic round without anglespontic round without angles
allows foreasierflossing. It isallows foreasierflossing. It is
more difficult to get floss tomore difficult to get floss to
pass overa flat undersurfacepass overa flat undersurface
evenly, orto get oversharpevenly, orto get oversharp
faciogingival and linguogingivalfaciogingival and linguogingival
line angles. The round designline angles. The round design
has been described as a “has been described as a “fishfish
bellybelly".". www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

6565
 ItsIts disadvantagesdisadvantages includeinclude
entrapment of food particles,entrapment of food particles,
which may lead to tongue habitswhich may lead to tongue habits
that may annoy the patient.that may annoy the patient.
 The hygienic pontic is theThe hygienic pontic is the
least "tooth like" design and isleast "tooth like" design and is
therefore reserved forteeththerefore reserved forteeth
seldom displayed during functionseldom displayed during function
(i.e., the mandibularmolars).(i.e., the mandibularmolars).

6666
 An alternative design, in which theAn alternative design, in which the
pontic is made in the form of a concavepontic is made in the form of a concave
archway mesiodistally. Thearchway mesiodistally. The
undersurface of the pontic is convexundersurface of the pontic is convex
faciolingually, giving the tissue-facingfaciolingually, giving the tissue-facing
surface of the pontic the configuration ofsurface of the pontic the configuration of
a hyperbolic paraboloid.a hyperbolic paraboloid.
 There is added bulk forstrength in theThere is added bulk forstrength in the
connectors, and access forcleaning isconnectors, and access forcleaning is
good. An esthetic version of this ponticgood. An esthetic version of this pontic
can be created by veneering withcan be created by veneering with
porcelain those parts of the pontic thatporcelain those parts of the pontic thatwww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

6868

This design has beenThis design has been
called an “arc-fixedcalled an “arc-fixed
partial denture”partial denture”
a "modified sanitarya "modified sanitary
pontic”, orsimply apontic”, orsimply a
““Perel pontic”.Perel pontic”.

6969
SADDLE OR RIDGE LAPSADDLE OR RIDGE LAP
PONTICPONTIC
 This pontic looks mostThis pontic looks most
like a tooth, replacinglike a tooth, replacing
all the contours of theall the contours of the
missing tooth.missing tooth.
 It forms a largeIt forms a large
concave contact with theconcave contact with the
ridge, obliterating theridge, obliterating the
facial, lingual, andfacial, lingual, and
proximal embrasures.proximal embrasures.

7070
 It is also called a ridge lap,It is also called a ridge lap,
because it overlaps the facialbecause it overlaps the facial
and lingual aspects of theand lingual aspects of the
ridge.ridge.
 A contact with the ridge thatA contact with the ridge that
extends beyond the midline ofextends beyond the midline of
the edentulous ridge, orathe edentulous ridge, ora
sharp angle at thesharp angle at the
linguogingival aspect of thelinguogingival aspect of the
tissue contact, constitutes atissue contact, constitutes a
ridge lapridge lap

7171
 This design has long beenThis design has long been
recognized as being uncleanrecognized as being unclean
and uncleanable and it stilland uncleanable and it still
is.is.
 The saddle causes tissueThe saddle causes tissue
inflammation, and it shouldinflammation, and it should
not be used.not be used.
 This design deficiency hasThis design deficiency has
been shown to result inbeen shown to result inwww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

7272
 CC
A B
C D

7373
MODIFIED RIDGE LAPMODIFIED RIDGE LAP
PONTICPONTIC
 The modified ridge lap ponticThe modified ridge lap pontic
combines the best features ofcombines the best features of
the hygienic and saddle ponticthe hygienic and saddle pontic
designs, combining estheticsdesigns, combining esthetics
with easy cleaning.with easy cleaning.
 This design gives theThis design gives the
illusion of a tooth, but itillusion of a tooth, but it
possesses all ornearly allpossesses all ornearly all
convex surfaces forease ofconvex surfaces forease of
cleaningcleaning www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

7474
FPD partially seated
FPD completely seated
A :max, B:mand

7575
 The lingual surface shouldThe lingual surface should
have a slight deflective contourhave a slight deflective contour
to prevent food impaction andto prevent food impaction and
minimize plaque accumulation.minimize plaque accumulation.
 There may be a slight facio-There may be a slight facio-
lingual concavity on the faciallingual concavity on the facial
side of the ridge, which can beside of the ridge, which can be
cleaned and tolerated by thecleaned and tolerated by the
tissue as long as the tissuetissue as long as the tissue
contact is narrow mesiodistallycontact is narrow mesiodistallywww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

7676

Ridge contact must extendRidge contact must extend
no fartherlingually than theno fartherlingually than the
midline of the edentulousmidline of the edentulous
ridge, even on posteriorteeth.ridge, even on posteriorteeth.
 The contourof the-tissue-The contourof the-tissue-
contacting area of the ponticcontacting area of the pontic
should be convex, even if ashould be convex, even if a
small amount of soft tissue onsmall amount of soft tissue on
the ridge must be surgicallythe ridge must be surgically
removed to facilitate it.removed to facilitate it.

7777
Tissue contact should resembleTissue contact should resemble
a lettera letter TTwhose vertical armwhose vertical arm
ends at the crest of the ridge.ends at the crest of the ridge.
This design wasThis design was
historically referred to as ridge-historically referred to as ridge-
lap; the term ridge-lap is nowlap; the term ridge-lap is now
used synonymously with theused synonymously with the
saddle design.saddle design.
The modified ridge lapThe modified ridge lap
design is the most commondesign is the most common
pontic form used in areas ofpontic form used in areas of
the mouth that are visiblethe mouth that are visible
during functionduring function..

7878
 This design, with aThis design, with a
porcelain veneer, is theporcelain veneer, is the
most commonly usedmost commonly used
pontic design in thepontic design in the
appearance zone forappearance zone for
both maxillary andboth maxillary and
mandibularfixed partialmandibularfixed partial
denturesdentures www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

7979
CONICAL PONTICCONICAL PONTIC
 Often ,called egg-shaped,Often ,called egg-shaped,
bullet-shaped, orheart-shaped,bullet-shaped, orheart-shaped,
the conical pontic is easy forthethe conical pontic is easy forthe
patient to keep it clean.patient to keep it clean.
 This pontic is related to theThis pontic is related to the
"sanitary dummy" described by"sanitary dummy" described by
Tinkerin 1918.Tinkerin 1918. Its use isIts use is
limited to replacement of teethlimited to replacement of teeth
overthin ridges in theoverthin ridges in the
nonappearance zone.nonappearance zone.www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

8181
 It should be made asIt should be made as
convex as possible with onlyconvex as possible with only
one point of contact at theone point of contact at the
centerof the residual ridge.centerof the residual ridge.
 The conical pontic isThe conical pontic is
rounded and cleanable, butrounded and cleanable, but
the tip is small in relation tothe tip is small in relation to
the overall size of the pontic.the overall size of the pontic.
It is well suited foruse on aIt is well suited foruse on a
thin mandibularridge.thin mandibularridge.www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

8282
 When used with a broad, flatWhen used with a broad, flat
ridge, the resulting largeridge, the resulting large
triangularembrasure spacestriangularembrasure spaces
around the tissue contact have aaround the tissue contact have a
tendency to collect debris.tendency to collect debris.
 This type of design may beThis type of design may be
unsuitable forbroad residualunsuitable forbroad residual
ridges, because the emergenceridges, because the emergence
profile associated with the smallprofile associated with the small
tissue contact point may createtissue contact point may create
areas of food entrapment.areas of food entrapment.www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

8383
A: correctly with a thin ridge
B:incorrectly with broad flat
ridge www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

8484
OVATE PONTICOVATE PONTIC
 The ovate pontic is a round-endThe ovate pontic is a round-end
design currently in use wheredesign currently in use where
esthetics is a primary concern.esthetics is a primary concern.
 Its antecedent was theIts antecedent was the
porcelain root-tipped pontic,porcelain root-tipped pontic,
which was used considerablywhich was used considerably
before 1930-as an esthetic andbefore 1930-as an esthetic and
sanitary substitute forthesanitary substitute forthe
saddle pontic.

8585
FPD partially seated
FPD completely seatedwww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

8686
 The ovate pontic is the mostThe ovate pontic is the most
esthetically appealing ponticesthetically appealing pontic
design. Its convex tissue surfacedesign. Its convex tissue surface
resides in a soft tissue depressionresides in a soft tissue depression
orhollow in the residual ridge,orhollow in the residual ridge,
which makes it appearthat a toothwhich makes it appearthat a tooth
is literally emerging from theis literally emerging from the
gingiva.gingiva.
 The tissue-contacting segmentThe tissue-contacting segment
of the ovate pontic is bluntlyof the ovate pontic is bluntly
rounded, and it is set into a

8787
 The concavity can beThe concavity can be
created by placement ofcreated by placement of
a provisional fixeda provisional fixed
partial denture with thepartial denture with the
pontic extending one-pontic extending one-
quarterof the way intoquarterof the way into
the socket immediatelythe socket immediately
afterextraction of theafterextraction of the
tooth.tooth. www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

8888
The ovate ponticsThe ovate pontics AdvantageAdvantage
includes its pleasingincludes its pleasing
appearance and its strength.appearance and its strength.
 It is easily flossed.It is easily flossed.
 In addition, its recessed formIn addition, its recessed form
is not susceptible to foodis not susceptible to food
impaction.impaction.
 The broad convex geometry isThe broad convex geometry is
strongerthan that of thestrongerthan that of the
modified ridge lap pontic.modified ridge lap pontic.www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

8989
DisadvantagesDisadvantages
 Because the tissue surface ofBecause the tissue surface of
the pontic is convex in allthe pontic is convex in all
dimensions, it is accessible todimensions, it is accessible to
dental floss; however, meticulousdental floss; however, meticulous
oral hygiene is necessary tooral hygiene is necessary to
prevent tissue inflammationprevent tissue inflammation
resulting from the large area ofresulting from the large area of
tissue contact.tissue contact.
 Otherdisadvantage include theOtherdisadvantage include the
need forsurgical tissueneed forsurgical tissuewww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

9090
Prefabricated PonticPrefabricated Pontic
FacingsFacings At one time, preformedAt one time, preformed
porcelain facings wereporcelain facings were
popularforfabricatingpopularforfabricating
pontics.pontics.
 They required adaptationThey required adaptation
to a specific edentulousto a specific edentulous
space, afterwhich theyspace, afterwhich they
were reglazed.were reglazed.www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

9191
Slot back Reversepin facing Harmony pin facing
Tru- pontic Pontipwww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

9292
 Some, such as Trupontics,Some, such as Trupontics,
Sanitary pontics, and SteelesSanitary pontics, and Steeles
facings, relied on a lug in afacings, relied on a lug in a
custom cast metal backing tocustom cast metal backing to
engage a slot in the occlusalengage a slot in the occlusal
orlingual surface of theorlingual surface of the
facingfacing
 The large bulk of porcelainThe large bulk of porcelain
could result in a thin goldcould result in a thin goldwww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

9393
 Harmony and TrubyteHarmony and Trubyte
facings used horizontalfacings used horizontal
pins that fit into the goldpins that fit into the gold
backing.backing.
 They were difficult to useThey were difficult to use
in limited occlusogingivalin limited occlusogingival
space, and refitting thespace, and refitting the
pins into a backing afterpins into a backing after
casting was demanding.casting was demanding.www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

9494
 Porcelain denture teeth alsoPorcelain denture teeth also
were modified to use as ponticwere modified to use as pontic
facings. Multiple pin holes, 2.0 mmfacings. Multiple pin holes, 2.0 mm
deep, were made with a drill pressdeep, were made with a drill press
in the lingual surface of the reversein the lingual surface of the reverse
pin facing. The pins came out of thepin facing. The pins came out of the
backing, providing retention wherebacking, providing retention where
a deep overbite would have overa deep overbite would have over
shortened conventional pins.shortened conventional pins.
 Unfortunately, the pin holes in theUnfortunately, the pin holes in the
facing were stress points that led tofacing were stress points that led to
fracture.fracture. www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

9595
PREFABRICATEDWAX PONTIC

9696
Metal-CeramicMetal-Ceramic
PonticsPontics Most pontics are fabricated by theMost pontics are fabricated by the
metal-ceramic technique.metal-ceramic technique.
 With the widespread use ofWith the widespread use of
metal-ceramic restorations, metal-metal-ceramic restorations, metal-
ceramic pontics have replaced otherceramic pontics have replaced other
types of pontics employingtypes of pontics employing
porcelain.porcelain.
Metal-ceramic pontics have theMetal-ceramic pontics have the
greatest esthetic potential asgreatest esthetic potential as
prosthetic replacements formissingprosthetic replacements formissing

9797
 A well fabricated metal-A well fabricated metal-
ceramic pontic is strong,ceramic pontic is strong,
easy to keep clean, andeasy to keep clean, and
looks natural.looks natural.
 Additionally, metal-ceramicAdditionally, metal-ceramic
pontics are stronger, sincepontics are stronger, since
the porcelain is bonded tothe porcelain is bonded to
the metal substrate ratherthe metal substrate rather
than cemented to it.than cemented to it.www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

9898
 Excessive thickness of porcelainExcessive thickness of porcelain
contributes to inadequate supportcontributes to inadequate support
and predisposes to eventualand predisposes to eventual
fracture.fracture.
 Sharp angles on the veneeringSharp angles on the veneering
area should be rounded. Theyarea should be rounded. They
produce increased stressproduce increased stress
concentrations that can causeconcentrations that can cause
mechanical failuremechanical failure

9999
 Any deformation of theAny deformation of the
metal frame work at themetal frame work at the
junction can lead to thejunction can lead to the
chipping porcelain.chipping porcelain.
They are easierto useThey are easierto use
because the backing is custombecause the backing is custom
made fora space (no need tomade fora space (no need to
adapt a premade porcelainadapt a premade porcelain
facing to the space).facing to the space).www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

100100
SummarySummary
METAL CERAMICMETAL CERAMIC
 ADVANTAGESADVANTAGES ►► ESTHETICS, BIOESTHETICS, BIO
COMPATIBLECOMPATIBLE
 DISADVANTAGESDISADVANTAGES ►►WEAKER THANWEAKER THAN
ALLALL METALMETAL
 INDICATIONINDICATION ►► MOSTMOST
SITUATIONSSITUATIONS
 CONTRAINDICATIONSCONTRAINDICATIONS ►► LONG SPANSLONG SPANS
WITHWITH HIGHHIGH
STRESSESSTRESSES

101101
ALL METALALL METAL
 ADVANTAGESADVANTAGES ►►
STRENGTH,EASYSTRENGTH,EASY
PROCEDUREPROCEDURE
 DISADVANTAGESDISADVANTAGES ►► NONNON
ESTHETICESTHETIC
 INDICATIONINDICATION ►► MANDIBULARMANDIBULAR
MOLARSMOLARS
 CONTRAINDICATIONSCONTRAINDICATIONS ►► WHEREWHERE
ESTHETICSESTHETICS
ISIS

102102
FIBER REINFORCED ALLFIBER REINFORCED ALL
RESINRESIN
 AdvantagesAdvantages ►► Conservative,Conservative,
esthetics,esthetics,
ease ofease of
repairrepair
 DisadvantagesDisadvantages ►► Limited toLimited to
short spanshort span
 IndicationsIndications ►► High estheticHigh esthetic
concernconcern
 Contra indicationsContra indications ►► Long spanLong spanwww.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com

103103
Saddle/ridge lapSaddle/ridge lap
►►Not recommendedNot recommended
►►EstheticsEsthetics
►►Poor oral hygienePoor oral hygiene
►►Not applicableNot applicable
 LocationLocation
 AdvantagesAdvantages
 DisadvantagesDisadvantages
 IndicationsIndications
 Contra indicationsContra indications
 MaterialsMaterials

104104
Sanitary/hygienic
 LocationLocation ►►Posterior mandiblePosterior mandible
 AdvantagesAdvantages ►►Good access for oralGood access for oral
hygienehygiene
 DisadvantagesDisadvantages ►► Poor estheticsPoor esthetics
 IndicationsIndications ►►Non esthetics zones&Non esthetics zones&
impaired oralimpaired oral
hygienehygiene
 Contra indicationsContra indications ►►Where esthetic isWhere esthetic is
importantimportant
 MaterialsMaterials ►►All metalAll metal

105105
Modified ridge lapModified ridge lap


MaterialsMaterials
►►High esthetic
►►Good esthetics
►►Moderately easy to clean
►►Area with esthetic concern
►►Where minimal esthetic
concern exist
►►Metal ceramic and all resin

106106
ConicalConical
 MaterialsMaterials
►► Molars without estheticsMolars without esthetics
►► Good accesses For oralGood accesses For oral
hygienehygiene
►► Poor estheticsPoor esthetics
►► PosteriorsPosteriors
►► Poor oral hygienePoor oral hygiene
►► All metals ,metalAll metals ,metal
ceramics, all resinceramics, all resin

107107
OvateOvate
 LocationLocation ►► Maxillary anteriors
 AdvantagesAdvantages ►► Superior esthetics,ease of
cleaning
 DisadvantagesDisadvantages ►► Requires surgical preparation
 IndicationsIndications ►► Optimal esthetics, high
smile line
 Contra indicationsContra indications ►► Un willingness
for surgery
 MaterialsMaterials ►► Metal ceramic,
all resins

www.indiandentalacademy.comwww.indiandentalacademy.com 108108

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