Abutment (dentistry)

An abutment is a small thing used by dentists to help hold a fake tooth in your mouth. If you get a fake tooth, the abutment is like a little post that goes down into your jawbone. It sticks up just a little bit above your gums, like a peg. The dentist then attaches the fake tooth to the abutment so it stays in place. It's kind of like how you might have a toy that has a small stick or peg that you put the toy on to make it stand up straight. The abutment helps the fake tooth stand up straight in your mouth.