Dental implants are a popular choice for replacing missing teeth. They’re stable, long-lasting, and look and feel like your own teeth.
During the dental implant process, your dentist might use something called a healing abutment, also known as a healing cap or gingival former. These small titanium pieces play a crucial role in helping your gums and bone heal properly around the implant.
This article will cover everything you need to know about healing abutments, from what they are to why they’re important.
What is a healing abutment for implants?
A healing abutment is a small cylinder, usually made of titanium or another biocompatible material, that your dentist screws onto your dental implant after placing it in your jawbone.
The abutment sticks up above your gum line. The soft tissue around the implant heals itself around the abutment, creating a space for the dentist to later place the final crown.
Dentists may also call healing abutments “healing caps” or “gingival formers.”
How does an implant healing abutment work?
A healing abutment sits on top of a newly placed dental implant and shapes the gum tissue as it heals. The goal is to create the perfect shape, also called the emergence profile, so your dentist can easily attach the final crown, bridge, or denture later on.
The healing abutment also guards the implant site. It keeps plaque and food particles away, and it prevents you from putting too much pressure on the implant while it fuses to your jawbone.
By shaping and protecting the area around the implant, a healing abutment encourages the soft tissues to heal properly. This prevents gum recession and creates a solid, healthy base for your new tooth.
How is the abutment fitted?
A healing abutment is usually screwed on top of a dental implant after the implant is placed.
In a one-stage procedure, the healing abutment goes on during the initial implant placement. In a two-stage procedure, the dentist first places a cover screw. Then, in a follow-up appointment, they’ll surgically attach the healing abutment.
It’s important that the healing abutment fits well and is stable. A secure fit helps the gum tissue heal correctly.
What are the benefits of using a healing abutment?
Healing abutments offer a number of advantages during the dental implant process:
- Improved tissue healing. A healing abutment encourages healthy gum tissue to grow in around the implant, creating a natural-looking gumline that’s also highly functional. It also helps prevent the gums from receding, ensuring the implant restoration is stable and aesthetically pleasing in the long term.
- Protection of the implant site. The abutment shields the implant from plaque and food debris, reducing the risk of infection and inflammation. It also minimizes the amount of pressure on the healing implant, preventing premature loading and potential damage.
- Easier final restoration. A healing abutment shapes the gum tissue so the crown can be placed in the most advantageous position, creating a smooth transition between the implant and the final restoration. It also makes it easier to fit the final crown, bridge, or denture.
Healing Abutment vs. Cover Screw
Sometimes, after placing a dental implant, dentists will use a “cover screw” to completely seal off the implant during the healing process, especially if they’re doing a two-stage procedure.
So, what’s the difference between a healing abutment and a cover screw?
- Healing abutments stick out through the gums, while cover screws sit underneath the gum line.
- Cover screws require another surgery later on to expose the implant so the dentist can attach a healing abutment or the final crown.
Healing abutments let the dentist shape the gums right away, but they can get infected if you don’t take care of them. Cover screws offer more protection, but you need another surgery to get the final restoration.
FAQs about healing abutments
If you’re considering dental implants, you may have some questions about healing abutments. Here are some of the questions people ask most often.
How long does a healing abutment stay in?
Healing abutments usually stay in place for about a week, but the exact amount of time varies, depending on how fast you heal and what your dentist recommends.
Is a healing cap and abutment the same thing?
Yes, a healing cap and a healing abutment are the same thing. They’re just different names for the same little piece.
Can you chew on a healing abutment? / Can I eat on a healing abutment?
Most dentists will recommend that you stick to a soft diet while the healing abutment is in place, so you don’t put too much pressure on the implant site.
How long after abutment do you get a crown?
Your crown will usually be placed 3 to 6 months after the abutment is placed. This gives the bone and soft tissue enough time to heal.
Conclusion
Healing abutments are essential to dental implant procedures. They protect the implant site, promote healthy soft tissue growth, and make the final restoration easier.
To learn more about healing abutments and whether dental implants are right for you, it’s important to talk with a qualified dentist experienced in implant procedures. Together, you can determine the best path forward for your oral health.