abutment
Pronunciation: uh-BUT-ment
A natural tooth, implant, or prosthetic component that supports or anchors a fixed or removable dental prosthesis.
Full Definition
In dental laboratory contexts, 'abutment' refers to either a prepared natural tooth that anchors a bridge retainer crown, or an implant abutment — a manufactured post that connects an implant fixture to the overlying prosthetic crown. The term is used both as a noun and as an attributive adjective (e.g., 'abutment crown,' 'abutment screw'). Editors must distinguish between implant abutments and tooth abutments, as the context changes the clinical meaning significantly.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase. In implant contexts, specify 'implant abutment' on first reference to avoid ambiguity with tooth abutments.
In Context
- "The custom titanium abutment was milled to match the emergence profile of the adjacent natural teeth." — CAD/CAM fabrication report
- "Both abutment teeth were prepared to a 6-degree taper prior to impression taking." — Clinical prescription form