Final answer:
The device designed to protect abutment teeth from excessive occlusal loads is the rest, which is situated on the abutment tooth to help distribute forces and protect the tooth. The rest is part of a removable partial denture and serves to prevent damage to the abutment teeth during mastication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The metal device that is designed to protect the abutment teeth from excessive occlusal loads and stress during mastication is known as the rest. Option D is correct. A rest is a component of a removable partial denture, typically made of metal, which sits on the occlusal, incisal, or cingulum surface of an abutment tooth. It helps distribute occlusal forces along the long axis of the tooth, thereby serving as a means of preventing unwanted movement of the denture and reducing the risk of damaging the abutment teeth.
The other options have different functions: A) The denture base is the part of a denture that makes contact with the soft tissues of the mouth and supports the teeth, B) The clasp is a component that engages a tooth to retain the denture, and C) The framework is the metal skeleton that gives strength and support to the removable partial denture.