Fixed prosthodontics: pontic design: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Fixed prosthodontics: pontic design

Sample item

Which pontic design is generally most hygienic for a posterior fixed bridge when esthetics are less critical?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Hygienic pontic with clearance from the ridge

A hygienic pontic has a convex tissue surface with adequate clearance from the edentulous ridge, allowing cleaning. It is mainly used posteriorly where esthetics are less demanding.

Option by option

  • A. Saddle pontic tightly covering the ridge

    Saddle pontics contact extensive tissue and are difficult to clean.

  • B. Subgingival pontic extension

    Subgingival extension is not a hygienic pontic design.

  • C. Hygienic pontic with clearance from the ridge (correct)

    Correct. Ridge clearance makes plaque control easiest.

  • D. Deeply concave pontic contacting all tissue

    Concave tissue contact traps plaque.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Hygienic pontic with clearance from the ridge. A hygienic pontic has a convex tissue surface with adequate clearance from the edentulous ridge, allowing cleaning.

Why is "Saddle pontic tightly covering the ridge" not the answer?

Saddle pontics contact extensive tissue and are difficult to clean.

Why is "Subgingival pontic extension" not the answer?

Subgingival extension is not a hygienic pontic design.

Why is "Deeply concave pontic contacting all tissue" not the answer?

Concave tissue contact traps plaque.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fixed prosthodontics: pontic design in Dentistry. It is mainly used posteriorly where esthetics are less demanding.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Fixed prosthodontics: pontic design?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.