Abutment
A natural tooth or implant fixture that serves as the structural support for a fixed or removable prosthesis.
Full Definition
In prosthodontic documentation, 'abutment' refers to any tooth, implant body, or root that provides retention, support, or stability for a dental prosthesis. The term is used in both implant and conventional fixed prosthodontics. Editors must distinguish between a natural abutment tooth and an implant abutment component. Misuse arises when 'abutment' is applied loosely to any supporting structure outside a prosthetic context. Clinical reports frequently reference abutment preparation, abutment torque values, and abutment-crown ratios.
Usage
Usage note: Do not conflate with 'pontic', which is the suspended artificial tooth between abutments in a bridge. 'Abutment' should always refer to a supporting element, never the replacement tooth itself.
In Context
- "The crown was cemented onto the prepared abutment at the second appointment." — Clinical case report
- "Radiographic assessment confirmed adequate bone height around the implant abutment." — Implant treatment planning notes