Abutment
A tooth or implant fixture that serves as a support and anchor for a prosthetic restoration such as a crown, bridge, or denture.
Full Definition
In restorative and prosthodontic dentistry, an abutment is the tooth, root, or implant component onto which a prosthesis is attached. In fixed prosthodontics, natural teeth act as abutments for bridge retainers. In implant dentistry, a machined connector piece sits on the implant fixture and protrudes through the gingiva to support a crown. Editors must distinguish between the anatomical abutment tooth and the implant abutment component, as the term functions differently in each clinical context.
Usage
Usage note: Do not confuse the implant abutment (a prosthetic component) with the abutment tooth (a natural tooth supporting a bridge). Clarify context when editing.
In Context
- "The mesial abutment tooth was prepared with a full-crown preparation to receive the three-unit bridge." — Clinical case report
- "A titanium abutment was seated and torqued to 35 Ncm prior to final impression taking." — Implant dentistry operative note