Pontics Flashcards
Although unpredictable, a greater amount of
alveolar ridge loss following extraction usually occurs
in the — dimension and affects the —
bone of the ridge.
In fact, –% of alveolar bone
dimension can be lost after tooth extraction, with
losses reported of up to —. Two-thirds of this loss
of bone volume can occur within the first —
months of tooth extraction.
horizontal
buccal
50
6–7 mm
three
Loss of — ridge height can also occur and usually
takes place along the — aspect of the ridge to a
— degree than horizontal ridge loss. Corresponding
reductions in vertical ridge height ranging from — mm
have been noted. The combination of this resorptive
pattern results in a ridge that has moved in a
— direction and has atrophied vertically.
vertical
buccal
lesser
2–4
palatal/lingual
Sockets that were preserved with bone
grafting and/or membrane on average lost —
mm less of ridge width, — mm less of ridge
height, and had —% more bone volume when
compared to sockets that were not
grafted. — sites lost more than
— sites, and most ridge resorption
occurred on the buccal aspect of the ridge.
2
1
20
Maxillary, mandibular
The Edentulous Ridge – Classification of Deformities
Class I:
Class II:
Class III:
Normal:
F-L Width (32%)
O-G Height (3%)
F-L and OG Height (56%)
(8%)
skipped
Pre-Treatment Assessment
Evaluate
(3)
Evaluate the dimensions of the
Edentulous space
Evalutate the positions of the abutment
teeth to assess the favorability for a bridge
Evaluate the possible occlusal outcomes
Evaluate the dimensions of the
Edentulous space
Evalutate the positions of the abutment
teeth to assess the favorability for a bridge
Evaluate the possible occlusal outcomes
Is there a need to reposition the teeth
orthodontically prior to fixed work?
— up is key to answer these questions
before you begin treatment
Diagnostic Wax
What Materials are used for Pontics?
(3)
Cast Metal
Metal-Ceramic
(Many configurations)
Zirconia or
All Ceramic
When two materials are
used, the finish line for their
joining should not be on
the
edentulous ridge.
What are the ideal characteristics we look for in a
pontic design?
(3)
Esthetic
Biologic
Mechanical
Esthetic
(2)
-Appearance of replacement
-Replication of “emergence” from ridge
Biologic
(4)
-Ability for the patient to clean well around
the bridge/pontic area
-Allows for healthy tissue
-Patient comfort of bridge
-Harmonious occlusion
Mechanical
(1)
-Rigid framework to resist deformation or
fracture
Esthetic Considerations
Ideally, a pontic should have the same — height as the original or
neighboring tooth.
When resorption of the bone has taken place, the pontic changes shape in order to
keep in contact with the —
Contour needs to be blended smoothly to avoid a ledge at the cervical.
inciso-gingival
ridge concavity
Esthetic Considerations
Contour in — should approximate the length of the adjacent teeth
The facial surface is altered to curve gently from the
Apical ½
gingival-facial to the middle of the
facial surface
Esthetic Considerations
Ideally, the pontic should adapt to the ridge well
When the pontic does not adapt well, (3) can
become troublesome
esthetics, speaking, and food impaction
Biological Considerations
Pontic ridge contact should ideally be on — tissue. When on non-keratinized tissue,
(2) can occur.
Pontic contact with ridge should not inflict — on the tissue.
Contact with the — should be minimal. Pontic shape in contact with tissue should also be —
keratinized
ulceration and constant irritation
pressure
tissue, convex
Delicate balance of light to slight tissue contact
-Contact too heavy?
-Contact too light?
Contact area should be small and shape of pontic convex
Tissue/bone resorption
Food impaction, esthetics compromised
Biological Considerations
Convex shape of gingival aspect of pontic allows for
easier cleaning for patient
“Fullness” of pontic shape and proper gingival embrasures block out and keep food
and debris from being trapped under pontic.
Biological Considerations
Oral Hygiene
(5)
Floss Threader
Super Floss
Proxabrush
Rubber Tip
Water Pik
Physical Considerations – Strength
Pontic connectors need appropriate size to be strong
— Occlusal-Gingivally
— Facial-lingually
4mm
3-4mm
Material Strength
Metal > Zirconia > Porcelain > Acrylic
Pontic connectors should not impinge on –
embrasures
Physical Considerations – Position
Pontics placed outside of the
inter-abutment axis creates
torque on the connectors and
abutments which can lead to
failure
Recall that — is the biggest reason why we see mechanical failure in
bridgework. So replacing as ideal occlusion as possible extends the life of the
restoration.
occlusion
Physical Considerations – Occlusion
Occlusion development with a bridge should replace ideal occlusion
MI contacts, Working and Non-Working contacts in lateral excursions, Protrusive
contacts, and canine guidance
Ridge Lap
-Also known as a — pontic
-Not used any longer
-Forms a large — contact area with ridge
-Patient not able to —
-Creates
Saddle
CONCAVE
clean
tissue inflammation leading to tissue ischemia and necrosis
Hygenic Pontic
-Also known as – Pontic
-No contact with –
-at least — of space between the
ridge and the pontic
-Patient can easily clean without the
pontic being a —
-Only for use in —
-Design and shape is — in all
directions.
Sanitary
Ridge
2-3mm
food trap
non-esthetic areas
CONVEX
Pontic Design
– Modified Hygenic Pontic
-Perel Modification
To increase — of
bridge in connectors with
hygenic pontic
— is increased
with less occlusal gingival
height. So, lets beef up
those connectors!
strength
Deflection
Conical Pontic
-Passive contact with —
-Rounded and cleansable
-Triangular embrasure space can
-Best suited for —
-Also not best for — areas.
ridge crest
trap food
thin mandibular ridges
esthetic