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Glossary

Abutment

1. Denture abutment—A tooth which functions as an attachment point for a fixed bridge or removable partial denture. The attachment itself is called a retainer.
Learn more: Procedures › Fixed partial dentures

Dental laboratory casts showing tooth preparations for fixed bridge abutments

Figure 1: Tooth #6 and tooth #11 (the "abutments") have been reduced to receive fixed bridge retainer crowns.

2. Implant abutment: a device for attaching a crown or other dental restoration to a dental implant.
Learn more: Procedures › Dental implants

Dental implant abutments are fastened to the fixture with a retaining screw

Figure 2: A prosthetic abutment is used to attach the dental restoration (crown, partial denture, etc.) to the implant. Shown here is an abutment for a single crown. Implants are also available which incorporate the abutment and implant in one solid piece. Two-piece arrangements offer greater flexibility.