Which pontic design is the MOST difficult for the patient to clean/sanitize?

Correct answer: A. Saddle (ridge lap) pontic

• A. Correct. The saddle (ridge lap) pontic wraps around the residual ridge on both buccal and lingual aspects, creating a concave tissue surface that traps plaque and food debris. It is the MOST difficult to clean and is associated with increased plaque accumulation and mucosal inflammation.
• B. The ovate pontic fits into a prepared ovate socket in the ridge — provides excellent esthetics and acceptable cleanability when the socket is properly maintained.
• C. The sanitary (hygienic) pontic has no tissue contact — it is the easiest to clean but provides the worst esthetics.
• D. The modified ridge lap pontic contacts the ridge only on the buccal (for esthetics) and is open on the lingual — significantly easier to clean than the full saddle design.