Putty Index: An Important Aid for the Direct Fabrication of Fiber Reinforced Composite Resin FPD

Abstract

Fiber reinforced composite resin fixed partial dentures (FRCFPD) with composite resin, PFM or all ceramic pontic can be used as a short term or long term alternative to conventional fixed partial dentures or implant supported crown in young patients where conventional FPD is contraindicated (large pulp chambers) or in patient’s unwilling to invasive implant placement surgical procedure and those who do not want to allow preparation of natural sound abutments for placement of retainers for FPD. FRCFPD can be successfully used for replacing missing anterior tooth (Turker and Sener, J Prosthet Dent 100:254–258, 2008), in conditions which allows minimum occlusal loading of pontic, over jet and overbite not greater than 3 mm (Ricketts, Provocations and perceptions in craniofacial orthopedics: dental science and facial art/parts 1 and 2. Rocky Mountain Orthodontics, Denver, p 7023, 1990) and structurally sound and intact abutments for the fiber reinforced matrix (Rose et al., Quintessence Int 33:579–583, 2002). The successful esthetic and functional rehabilitation of missing tooth with fiber reinforced composite resin FPD depends on accurate positioning of pontic in patient’s mouth. It is difficult to hold the pontic in proper position with instrument or fingers while direct fabrication in mouth. For accurate positioning, stabilization of pontic is very important which can be achieved with putty index. Putty index maintain pontic in accurate mesiodistal, labiolingual and cervicoincisal position while fabricating FRCFPD directly.