rest seat
A precisely prepared recess on the occlusal, lingual, or cingulum surface of a tooth that receives the rigid rest of a removable partial denture framework.
Full Definition
A rest seat is a prepared depression on the surface of a tooth or existing restoration designed to receive a rigid metal rest, which transmits occlusal forces along the long axis of the tooth and prevents the denture from moving vertically toward the tissue. Rest seats are classified by their location: occlusal rest seats on posterior teeth, cingulum rest seats on anterior teeth, and incisal rest seats on canines or incisors. Their preparation dimensions are critical, and laboratory technicians must ensure that the RPD framework's rest fits the seat precisely to avoid rocking or tissue impingement. In editorial contexts, 'rest seat' is a compound noun and should not be split or written as 'restseat.'
Usage
Usage note: Write as two words: 'rest seat.' Always qualify the type (occlusal, cingulum, incisal) on detailed first reference in a prescription or report.
In Context
- "The laboratory prescription noted that occlusal rest seats had been prepared on the first molars to support the RPD framework." — Removable partial denture work order
- "Insufficient depth of the rest seat may cause the framework rest to rock on the abutment tooth." — Dental laboratory quality review