A pontic is the term that dentists use for the part of a dental bridge that replaces the missing tooth and has no real tooth underneath it. Most dental bridges include three teeth. To replace a missing tooth with a dental bridge, the dentist has to prepare the two adjacent teeth for dental crowns. Instead of constructing two individual crowns, the dental laboratory technician places a false tooth in between the two crowns and connects all three of them together.

          The false crown with no tooth under it is called a bridge pontic and each dental crown that hold the false tooth in place is called a bridge abutment. This is an ancient design and has been used for hundreds of years. The two dental crown abutments support the false tooth so that it can chew food.

          In the past decade or so, instead of cutting down each supporting abutment tooth to support a pontic, many dentists are choosing to place dental implants into the bone in the area of the missing tooth. Since dental bridges usually have to be replaced every seven to ten years, the idea of conserving the natural teeth and using the bone is a good idea. Considering that most dental implant last for decades, this alternative is worth investigating.

          Dr. Padolsky, is a cosmetic dentist in Atlanta and practices with the Atlanta Dental Group PC. He is experienced in designing beautiful bridges the create the illusion that the abutment and pontic teeth are natural. This is especially important when a bridge is being made in the area where a patient smiles. For an appointment call 404-874-7428.