Dentures and Bridges
Abutment tooth
An abutment tooth is a natural tooth, or an implant, that supports one end of a dental bridge or a partial denture.
A bridge needs something to hold it up. The teeth on each side of the gap are the abutment teeth. The dentist usually reshapes them and places crowns on them. The crowns join to the false tooth, called a pontic, in between. Cleveland Clinic says abutments are the structures that support your dental bridge. Because abutment teeth carry extra load, they must be healthy, with strong roots and gums. Careful cleaning around them is important to avoid decay and gum disease. When a bridge is supported by dental implants, the implants take the place of the natural abutment teeth. Do not confuse this with an implant abutment, which is a connector piece. See dental bridge and our dental bridge page.