Abutment
Pronunciation: uh-BUT-ment
In dental prosthetics, a tooth, implant, or structure that supports or anchors a crown, bridge, or denture.
Full Definition
The term 'abutment' has two distinct dental uses that editors must differentiate. First, in fixed bridgework, it denotes a natural tooth prepared to support the retainer crown at either end of a bridge. Second, in implantology, it refers to the titanium or zirconia component that connects the implant fixture embedded in bone to the prosthetic crown above the gumline. Conflating these two meanings can introduce clinical inaccuracy into records. Editors should check context carefully, particularly in implant reports where 'implant abutment' versus 'tooth abutment' may both appear. The term is also used in partial denture design to describe clasped teeth.
Usage
Usage note: Context is everything: establish whether the document concerns implant surgery or conventional bridgework before editing references to 'abutment.' Flag ambiguous usage for the clinician to clarify.
In Context
- "Teeth 14 and 16 were designated as abutments for the three-unit bridge replacing the missing 15." — Fixed prosthetics treatment note
- "The abutment was torqued to 35 Ncm as documented in the implant placement record." — Implant surgical report