What is the term used for the supporting tooth in a dental bridge?

The term used for the supporting tooth in a dental bridge is "abutment." In the context of dental prosthetics, an abutment tooth is one that is adjacent to the gap created by a missing tooth and is used to support the bridge.

This tooth is crucial because it helps anchor the bridge securely in place, providing stability and functionality for the patient. The abutment tooth typically undergoes preparation, which may involve reshaping it to accommodate the bridge.

The other terms, while related to dental bridges, refer to different components. The pontic refers to the artificial tooth that replaces the missing tooth and sits in the gap. A unit refers to any single component of a bridge or a group of connected crowns. An appliance is a broader term that can refer to any dental device used for treatment purposes, not specifically tied to bridges. Hence, the correct identification of the abutment highlights its role in providing support within the overall structure of a dental bridge.