Split It! Let’s Break That Stress - A Case Report

Abstract

Fixed prosthodontics is a zestful and progressing branch because of the numerous advantages that it has over removable prosthesis. The oral cavity for each scenario has its own complications and hence every individual case has its own approach keeping in mind the comfort, function, and aesthetics of the patient. In some cases, we come across an edentulous space on both the sides, creating a lone free-standing tooth. This clinical scenario with a pier abutment needs to be taken into consideration during restoration of the arch as the masticatory forces applied on the abutment teeth at one end of fixed partial denture (FPD) can result in the pier abutment acting as a fulcrum resulting in ultimate failure of the FPD and trauma to the periodontium. To overcome this complication, use of non-rigid connectors is advised. Many innovative clinical designs with modifications to the conventional bridges have been proposed over the years to undertake such a scenario most diligently. Selection of the right type of connector is imperative for the success while undertaking such a case. This era is of digital dentistry; hence, an innovative, time saving, and cost-effective way of fabricating non-rigid connector using Exocad software and 3D printing of split pontic FPD is presented in this case report.