[Gingival tolerance to intermediate bridge elements].

Factors affecting gingival response to pontics are the design, the material used and its roughness and the pressure exerted on the ridge. With a triangular ridge and a large available space, gingival health is promoted by ridge-lap pontics, (with large gingival and lingual embrasures) contacting the ridge with a glazed porcelain or a highly polished gold surface, and without pressure. With a rounded ridge and a narrow available space, modified-saddle pontics are used and the bucco-lingual width is reduced.