Pontic

A pontic is the replacement tooth portion of a dental bridge that fills the space left by a missing natural tooth. It is contoured to match neighbouring teeth and gums and may be fabricated from materials such as porcelain, ceramic fused to metal or zirconia; the pontic is supported by adjacent crowned teeth (abutments) or by implant-supported posts depending on the chosen bridge design.

Pontics restore chewing ability, speech and smile aesthetics while helping to maintain proper alignment of remaining teeth and the shape of the jawline. The choice of pontic design and material depends on the tooth position, oral hygiene needs and the condition of supporting teeth or implants, and with good care a pontic-supported bridge can function well for many years though longevity varies with individual oral health.