Use of a modified ovate pontic in areas of ridge defects: a report of two cases.

UNLABELLED A modified design for ovate pontics is proposed to achieve the esthetic, functional, and hygienic requirements for fixed partial dentures. This design should aid the clinician in preparing the edentulous area, thus resulting in less discomfort for the patient because little to no ridge augmentation is required. The same emergence profile can be developed as with the classic ovate pontic design. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE A modified ovate pontic has the following advantages: excellent esthetics because it produces a correct emergence profile; fulfilled functional requirements; greater ease of cleaning as compared with the ovate pontic; an effective air seal, which eliminates air or saliva leakage; the appearance of a free gingival margin and interdental papilla; elimination or minimization of the "black triangle" between the teeth; and little or no ridge augmentation required prior to the final restoration.