Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What is the term for an artificial tooth in a bridge?

1. Abutment

2. Pontic

3. Implant

4. Retainer

The correct answer is: Pontic

The term for an artificial tooth in a bridge is "Pontic." In dental terminology, a pontic is the artificial tooth that replaces a missing tooth and is anchored in place by the adjacent natural teeth or abutments, which are secured to the bridge structure. The pontic plays a vital role in restoring both the function and aesthetics of the dental arch, allowing for proper chewing and maintaining the alignment of the surrounding teeth. The concept of attaching a pontic to a bridge is crucial in prosthodontics, reflecting how bridges function as a solution for tooth loss. While the abutment refers to the natural teeth that secure the bridge, and retainers are components that help hold the pontic in place, they do not replace the actual missing tooth. An implant, on the other hand, is a different dental solution that involves inserting a titanium post into the jawbone to serve as a root for a crown or bridge, separate from the concept of a bridge itself. Understanding the role of each component in a dental bridge highlights the importance of the pontic in complete restoration.