Dental Abutment

You may already be familiar with dental implants and have discussed them as a potential treatment option for your missing tooth. Most people already know about the implant itself and the crown that replacing the missing tooth, but the often-over-looked abutment is a very important component of the process. Abutments are the connection between crown, prosthetic tooth, and the implant, artificial root. The abutment ensures that the crown stays in place, the gums around the crown are healthy, and the gums meet with the crown in aesthetically pleasing way. The dentist can offer a variety of materials for the crown as well as the abutment, but depending on the location of the missing tooth in your mouth and the look you are trying to achieve, you and the dentist can determine the right combination for you.

After the dentist surgically implants the titanium below the gum line, the dentist may use a healing abutment to cover the hollow center of the implant. The healing abutment allows the gums to heal and remain healthy for the remaining procedures of your dental implant process. It will not remain in place permanently, but it can be important to maintain strong gums and surrounding teeth. If you have had a one stage surgery, then the dentist will place the abutment at the same time as implant placement. If you have had a two-stage surgery, then the abutment will be placed during a second surgery after the first implant surgery.

When the dentist is reviewing your specific needs for your dental implant, the dentist may need to use a custom-made abutment. Depending on your mouth, the location of the missing tooth, and the final look you are trying to achieve, the custom abutment will allow the crown to look like it is coming out of your gums like your natural teeth.

Additionally, the dentist can opt to permanently cement the crown to the abutment or to screw the crown to the abutment. When the dentist uses screws, there are holes in the crown to accommodate the screws that can compromise the structure of the crown over time. When the dentist uses cement, the gums can be inflamed by excess cement.

When it comes to materials, abutments are often made from titanium to ensure the strength of the abutment. Zirconia can be used to match the color of your teeth and appear less visible than titanium. For other people, gold is the ideal material for their abutment.

In order for the dentist to place the abutment during a second surgery, the dentist will need to expose the implant with a small incision. Then the dentist will place the healing abutment to allow the gums to heal again. While your gums are healing around the abutment, the implant will continue to fuse to your jaw bone. After the gums have fully recovered, the dentist will replace the healing abutment with a permanent abutment and take an impression for the crown. It usually takes about four to six weeks for your gums to heal and the dentist can advise you on what foods to eat, how to clean it and how to prevent infection.

If you notice that your gums will not stop bleeding or you have a fever, be sure to contact the dentist to ensure that you are healing and not struggling with an infection.

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