Abutment
Pronunciation: AB-yut-ment
The connector component that attaches to the implant fixture and supports the prosthetic crown or bridge superstructure.
Full Definition
In implant dentistry, the abutment is the intermediary component that links the subgingival implant fixture to the visible prosthetic restoration. Abutments may be prefabricated (stock) or custom-milled, and are available in titanium, zirconia, or gold alloy. Editors should be alert to its misuse as a synonym for 'implant fixture' or 'crown'; each term describes a distinct layer of the implant system. The term also appears in fixed prosthodontics to denote a natural tooth supporting a bridge, creating a confusable context.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish carefully from 'abutment tooth' in bridgework contexts; clarify which meaning applies on first use in multi-disciplinary documents.
In Context
- "A titanium abutment was torqued to 35 Ncm before final impression taking." — Restorative dentistry clinical note
- "The custom zirconia abutment was designed to optimize the emergence profile of the anterior crown." — Laboratory prescription form