PONTIC DESIGNS AND SOFT TISSUE HEALTH IN PATIENTS WEARING CONVENTIONAL METAL CERAMIC FIXED DENTAL PROSTHESES AT KING KHALID UNIVERSITY DENTAL CLINICS

Objective: To determine the frequency of various pontic designs used in con- ventional metal-ceramic fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) and its effects on the health of soft tissues. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the Prostho- dontics clinics of College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from October 2017 to June 2018. Data were collected on a well-designed questionnaire from a total of 97 patients presenting at the clinics and satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria by discussion and clinical examination methods. SPSS verion 19 was used for analysis P<0.05 was taken as significent. Results: A total of 97 patients from out-patient clinics were selected (56 males and 41 females) with an age range of 18-74 years  (Mean  age = 39.83±11.20 Years). Ridge-lap was the most common (51.5%) type of the pontic design used in FDPs. A considerable number (40.2%) presented with subnormal tissue health under the pontics. Conclusion: Dental practitioners in the region provide FDPs with unsuitable pontic design (ridge-lap).