Abstract:

Objective To explore the effect of two different pontics of bridge on periodontal tissues. Methods Thirty patients who received restoration with closed modified ridge lap pontic because of failure of fixed partial denture (FPD) were chosen for this study. All the patients had serious gum inflammation in the pontic contacting area. This study used self-control method, that was the patients with the old prosthesis were selected as central group; while the patients with the newly designed prosthesis were selected as the test group. The outcome measures included bleeding parameters, plaque variables and pocket depth.Results All the parameters/variables were improved in the test group, the most effective one was bleeding parameters, which had significant difference as compared with the control group (P<0.001). The rate of "very effective" was 73.3%, while the rate "effective" was 26.7%. Conclusion The extensive modified ridge lap pontic could effectively control the development of inflammation. Therefore the extensive modified ridge lap pontic should be recommended for the patients with poor periodontal health to protect the gingival health in connecting area between retainer and pontic.

Key words: fixed partial denture, periodontal tissues, extensive modified ridge lap pontic, closed modified ridge lap pontic