Pontic Retainers And Connectors Introduction
Fixed partial denture has three parts namely:
Table of Contents
- Pontic
- Connector
- Retainer
This chapter deals with types and characteristics of each components of fixed partial denture.
Pontic Definition:
An artificial tooth on a fixed dental prosthesis that replaces a missing natural tooth restores its function and usually fills the space previously occupied by the clinical crown. This replaces the missing natural tooth crown and its functions. It may be made up of acrylic, metal, ceramic and combination of metal, and ceramic and metal with acrylic.
Read and Learn More: Preclinical Prosthodontics Notes
Classification:
Pontics are classified on the basis of material of fabrication and method of fabrication and based on contact with mucosa.
Retainer
Fixed dental prosthesis Definition:
Fixed dental prosthesis retainer:
The part of a fixed dental prosthesis that unites the abutment(s) to the remainder of the restoration. Or A component of fixed partial denture which support and fixes the prosthesis on abutments.
Retainer will be fixed on abutment (prepared tooth/teeth) with dental cement or any other mechanism. This helps the prosthesis to be fix in its position. Retainer can be of various types as given in classification.
Classification:
The classification of retainers is given in Flowchart.
Intracoronal Retainers:
Inlays:
This is a type of dental restoration which is made outside the oral cavity and does not cover the full occlusal surface. This type of restoration confines to the prepared cavity particularly made for it.
Onlays:
This kind of restoration may cover one or more cusps with adjoining occlusal surface. It may cover the entire occlusal surface but other surfaces are not covered by it (in full crown all the surfaces of tooth are covered).
Radicular Retainers:
When the amount of remaining coronal tooth structure is not sufficient to provide adequate support for prosthesis, radicular retainers are used. They are used with endodontically treated tooth. It is also known as post and core.
Cast post:
It is custom cast post, which has core part attached with post. Post and core are made up of same material (one piece).
Prefabricated post:
They are available in various designs and materials. The post is inserted in root canal (after preparing post space) according to the diameter of canal. It is placed as apical as possible in root canal
to attain maximum retention and support. It is cemented with permanent cement. On this post, the core is fabricated with suitable material. Thus, prefabricated post and core are two separate units but joined together.
Connectors
Connector is a part of fixed partial denture. It connects the pontic with the retainer. It provides connection or link or continuity between the pontic and retainer.
Classification:
The classification of connectors is given in Flowchart.
Abutment:
Abutment is not a part of fixed partial denture. Abutment is tooth or root or part of dental implant on which the prosthesis is fixed.
Leave a Reply