A root submergence technique for pontic site development in fixed dental prostheses in the maxillary anterior esthetic zone.
OBJECTIVE
This case report discusses the effect of a root submergence technique on preserving the periodontal tissue at the pontic site of fixed dental prostheses in the maxillary anterior aesthetic zone.


METHODS
Teeth with less than ideal structural support for fixed retainer abutments were decoronated at the crestal bone level. After soft tissue closure, the final fixed dental prostheses were placed with the pontics over the submerged root area. Radiographic and clinical observations at the pontic sites were documented.


RESULTS
The submerged roots at the pontic sites preserved the surrounding periodontium without any periapical pathology. The gingival contour at the pontic site was maintained in harmony with those of the adjacent teeth, as well as the overall form of the arch.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this clinical report indicate that a root submergence technique can be successfully applied in pontic site development with fixed dental prostheses, especially in the maxillary anterior esthetic zone.
Department of Prosthodontics & Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea.
Sunyoung
S
Choi
Department of Prosthodontics & Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea.
In-Sung
IS
Yeo
Department of Prosthodontics & Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea.
Sung-Hun
SH
Kim
Department of Prosthodontics & Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea.
Jai-Bong
JB
Lee
Department of General Dentistry, Boston University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
Chan Wook
CW
Cheong
Department of Prosthodontics & Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea.
Jung-Suk
JS
Han
Fixed dental prostheses; Pontic; Root