Pontic
Pronunciation: PON-tik
The artificial tooth unit in a fixed dental prosthesis (bridge) that spans the edentulous space and is not directly supported by a tooth root or implant.
Full Definition
A pontic is the suspended member of a fixed partial denture (bridge) that replaces a missing tooth. It derives its support from the retainer crowns or abutment teeth at either end of the prosthesis rather than from the underlying alveolar ridge or an implant fixture. Pontics are described in terms of their tissue-contact design (e.g., modified ridge-lap, ovate, hygienic/sanitary) and the material from which they are fabricated—metal, ceramic, or resin-based. In dental materials manuscripts, pontic design is an important variable when evaluating the mechanical performance of all-ceramic or zirconia-based fixed prostheses. Editors should distinguish 'pontic' from 'abutment', which refers to the supporting tooth or implant component.
Usage
Usage note: In fixed prosthodontics, 'pontic' is the correct technical term; avoid 'dummy tooth' in clinical manuscripts. Pontic design type (e.g., ridge-lap, ovate) should be specified in materials and methods when relevant to the study.
In Context
- "The three-unit all-ceramic bridge failed at the connector between the pontic and the posterior retainer crown under occlusal load." — Case series, fixed prosthodontics
- "The author used 'dummy tooth' throughout; the editor replaced all instances with the clinical term 'pontic'." — Editing note, prosthodontic case report