An alternative multiple pontic design for a fixed implant-supported prosthesis.

In situations of moderate residual ridge resorption where multiple tooth replacement is needed, and where the patient desires a fixed implant-supported restoration, it is challenging to design a pontic-tissue interface. The semiconvex multiple pontic design described in this article, with its mucosal contact exerted with moderate pressure, is proposed to circumvent the problems encountered with the plaque accumulation, maintenance conditions, phonetics, and compromised esthetics frequently encountered in these patients. The use of a screw-retained, implant-supported restoration is also emphasized to allow for sufficient tissue contact during placement of the prosthesis and for prosthesis retrievability for maintenance or technical reasons.