Pontics in fixed prostheses--status report. Council on Dental Materials and Devices

It is clear that the choice and fabrication of a pontic demands as much care as any aspect of restorative planning and execution. To apply a particular pontic design arbitrarily is to disregard the work to date which appears to emphasize the individuality of each pontic situation. Existing designs appear to take into account every conceivable situation. Presently available materials seem adequate to meet requirements. The role of bacterial plaque control in the maintenance of all pontic materials and designs must be recognized. What is required is a dentist cognizant of the reasons for using a particular pontic in a particular situation and a patient highly motivated and instructed as to his responsibility in caring for this component of his prothesis.