Subpontic osseous hyperplasia: a five-patient report.

Thirty-four cases of benign osseous proliferation beneath the pontics of mandibular posterior fixed partial dentures have been reported in the dental literature. This report describes subpontic osseous hyperplasia in the posterior regions of five additional patients. Within this population, recurrence following surgical excision was documented in one patient. Continued osseous proliferation following pontic modification occurred in a second patient. Chronic irritation and functional stresses are discussed as possible etiologies. Clinical significance and treatment considerations are presented.