Developing and Finalizing Ovate Pontic Sites Utilizing Digital Technology.

Abstract

Objective: Due to the fluid and changing nature of oral soft tissue, creating an ovate pontic in both the provisional and final phases can be challenging. This article will explain the advantages of a digital workflow to streamline ovate pontic design, approval, and fabrication of the final prosthesis.

Clinical considerations: The factors influencing the design of an ovate pontic will be presented for both an existing edentulous site and an immediate extraction site. Digital tools can simulate an extraction, allowing precise measurement of the proposed pontic position and dimensions. The development of idealized contours and esthetics in the provisional restoration facilitates soft tissue scaffolding during the healing phase. Additionally, digital tools enable the approved design to be more easily duplicated in the definitive restoration.

Conclusions: Digital technologies can be useful in providing efficient and effective solutions for designing and communicating idealized subgingival contours of ovate pontics, thereby streamlining design and fabrication in both the provisional and final stages.

Clinical significance: The digital protocol described offers a predictable and practical workflow for efficiently and effectively designing and finalizing an ovate pontic.