Prosthodontics & Occlusion · patient case question
A patient with a fixed partial denture has markedly erythematous tissue in the pontic region. What is the most likely reason?
Patient case: Prosthodontic and restorative materials
Scenario: Three items on pontics, cements and saliva.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. The pontic design prevents adequate cleaning of the tissue surface
- A. Diabetes amplifies inflammation but does not localise it neatly to one pontic; the pattern points to a local factor.
- B. Occlusal overload affects the abutment teeth and their periodontium, not the edentulous mucosa under the pontic.
- C. True metal allergy is rare and would typically involve tissue in contact with the metal more diffusely, not the pontic site alone.
- D. Correct. A pontic that laps the ridge broadly — or one with a rough, concave tissue surface — traps plaque where neither brush nor floss threader can reach, and the mucosa responds with chronic inflammation.
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