HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which term describes the small extensions of a removable prosthesis that fit atop the adjoining teeth?

1. Rests

2. Saddles

3. Connectors

4. Frameworks

The correct answer is: Rests

The term that describes the small extensions of a removable prosthesis that fit atop the adjoining teeth is known as rests. Rests are specifically designed to provide support and stability to the prosthesis by resting on the tooth surface, preventing the prosthetic device from moving or shifting during function. They help to distribute occlusal forces evenly, which aids in the preservation of the underlying dental structures and enhances the overall comfort of the user. These components are crucial in properly designing a removable prosthesis to ensure its effectiveness and longevity. In contrast, saddles refer to the part of a denture that sits on the edentulous area (the area without teeth), connectors link different parts of the prosthesis together, and frameworks refer to the overall structure that supports the artificial teeth and other components of a removable prosthesis. Each of these has distinct roles but does not specifically describe the extensions resting on the teeth, which is why rests are the correct choice in this context.