ABSTRACT:
Background: Cantilever abutment is part of a prosthesis which supports the artificial tooth only on one side, which is commonly used for the replacement of maxillary lateral incisor with central incisor or canine as the abutment and full mouth rehabilitation in which there is no abutment in the posterior region. Cantilever abutments are usually preferred for aesthetic purposes, in the absence of teeth on one side of the breach and when one of the abutment teeth is used to support another prosthesis which cannot be replaced. Aim: To evaluate cantilever abutment in prosthodontics and its effects on prosthesis and to study the use of cantilever abutment in prosthesis and its contributions to the replacement of individual’s teeth. Materials and Method: A questionnaire-based study was done among dental students and practitioners. A total of 100 participants took part in the survey. All the participants were provided with a list of 11 questions related to their understanding about cantilever abutment. Data was collected and statistic analysis was done. Results: Posterior cantilever abutment is more preferred than anterior cantilever abutment (69%). Chewing pressure is the main factor for abutment selection (64%). Posterior cantilever abutment is used when one of the abutment teeth is already supporting another prosthesis and cannot be replaced due to various reasons (47%). Two abutments are used for replacing a mandibular molar (71%). Lower second premolar and lower first molar are preferred to replace lower first premolar (52%). Secondary abutment reduces occlusal forces (38%) as abutment helps to transmit extra pressures (70%). Loss of occlusal stability is a common complication of cantilever abutment (57%). Less chewing pressure is the main benefit of anterior abutment (47%). The success of cantilever abutment is moderate (50%). Patients can tolerate unilateral occlusal scheme better (50%). Conclusion: Cantilever abutment is considered as a great alternative for the replacement of a single tooth. Further studies need to be done in order to develop better understanding and appropriate solution to overcome the problems associated with cantilever abutment.