The patient chooses to have tooth #9 extracted and replaced with a 3-unit fixed bridge. What pontic design will provide the most natural emergence profile and allow the gingiva to form proper esthetic contours in this anterior area?

Correct answer: C. Ovate pontic

• A. The modified ridge lap contacts the facial ridge only and is a common, adequate choice for anterior teeth but does not create as natural an emergence as the ovate.
• B. The full saddle/ridge lap wraps around the ridge on both facial and lingual — poor hygiene access; largely obsolete.
• C. CORRECT — The ovate pontic sits within a receptor site prepared in the ridge, mimicking a natural tooth emerging from the sulcus. It is the gold standard for esthetics in the anterior maxilla when adequate ridge height is present (or has been surgically/orthodontically preserved).
• D. The hygienic (sanitary) pontic has no tissue contact and is used only in posterior mandible where esthetics is not a concern.