In dental terms, what does 'abutment' refer to?

An abutment in dental terms refers specifically to a supporting structure, typically a tooth, or dental implant that serves as a point of support for a fixed or removable prosthetic device. In the context of dental restorations, such as bridges, the abutments are the teeth that are adjacent to the gap where a tooth is missing. These supporting structures must be healthy and strong enough to bear the forces of chewing and maintain the integrity of the prosthetic device.

The other options pertain to different aspects of dentistry. For instance, dental cement is used in various procedures for adhering restorations or appliances to teeth. A tooth preparation method describes the technique used to shape a tooth for restorative procedures like crowns or fillings, and a type of dental impression refers to the procedure of taking a mold of the teeth and surrounding tissues for various purposes, including creating dentures or prosthetic devices. However, none of these options define the role of an abutment, which is fundamentally about providing structural support.