Pontic Retainers And Connectors Notes

Pontic Retainers And Connectors Introduction

Fixed partial denture has three parts namely:

1. Pontic
2. Connector
3. Retainer

This chapter deals with the types and characteristics of each component 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 a 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 fabrication and method of fabrication and based on contact with mucosa.

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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 a fixed partial denture that supports and fixes the prosthesis on abutments.

The retainer will be fixed on abutment (prepared tooth/teeth) with dental cement or any other mechanism. This helps the prosthesis to be fixed in its position. Retainers can be of various types as given in the classification.

Classification:

The classification of retainers is given in the Flowchart.

Intracoronary Retainers:

Inlays:

This is a type of dental restoration that 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 surfaces. It may cover the entire occlusal surface but other surfaces are not covered by it (in full crown all the surfaces of the 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 teeth. It is also known as post and core.

Cast post:

It is a custom cast post, which has a core part attached to the post. The post and core are made up of the same material (one piece).

Prefabricated post:

They are available in various designs and materials. The post is inserted in the root canal (after preparing the post space) according to the diameter of the canal. It is placed as apical as possible in the root canal

to attain maximum retention and support. It is cemented with permanent cement. In this post, the core is fabricated with suitable material. Thus, prefabricated post and core are two separate units but joined together.

Connectors

The connector is a part of the fixed partial denture. It connects the pontic with the retainer. It provides a connection or link or continuity between the pontic and retainer.

Classification:

The classification of connectors is given in Flowchart.

Abutment:

The abutment is not a part of the fixed partial denture. The abutment is the tooth or root or part of the dental implant on which the prosthesis is fixed.