Unless you have missing teeth that need to be restored, you wouldn’t think much of the components of dental implants. But have you ever wondered what holds your dental implant and restoration together? 

While the implant is the sturdy foundation, it’s the implant abutment that acts as the bridge between the implant and your new tooth/teeth. 

We are here to shed light on dental abutments, a critical yet often overlooked component. So, let’s dive in!  

What is a Dental Implant Abutment? 

Dental implants include three components: the implant post, the crown and the abutment! 

The abutment is a metal connector secured to the implant post. Despite being a small component, it’s a crucial part that connects the implant post and your new tooth. Without the abutment, your new tooth would have nothing to rest on – that’s how important it is. 

What is a Healing Abutment? 

Also known as a healing cap, a healing abutment is a temporary component secured to the implant post after placement. The abutment promotes soft and hard tissue healing around the implant, helps shape the gum around it and prevents debris from accumulating on it.

While the healing abutment stays in place during osseointegration, it will be replaced with a permanent one once your implant fully fuses with the jawbone. 

Since healing abutments aren’t always necessary, our dentists will assess your situation and advise you on the best course of action. 

What are the Different Types of Abutments? 

1. Prefabricated 

Think of prefabricated abutments as ready-made building blocks for your smile. Also called stock abutments, they are usually produced by manufacturing companies. 

They come in various shapes and sizes and can be made from different materials, such as Zirconium, gold titanium, and surgical stainless steel. Titanium is often the most popular choice due to its strength and compatibility with the body. 

2. Custom-Made 

Custom-made abutments are tailored specifically to your unique needs. They are fabricated at the dental laboratory after we take impressions of your teeth and the top of the implant. So much detail goes into this, ensuring the fit and feel are unparalleled. 

While they might cost more, the investment in custom implant abutments often pays off in terms of aesthetics and comfort. 

How are Dental Implant Abutments Placed? 

1. Choosing the Abutment: The first step is selecting the most suitable abutment for your smile. We will take into account your needs and preferences when deciding between prefabricated or custom-made abutments and the abutment material. 
2. Exposing the Implant: Once the implant is inserted into the jaw, our dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the top of the implant. 
3. Abutment & Crown Design: For custom-made abutments, we will take impressions of your mouth to make one that will fit like a glove. 
4. Placing the Healing Abutment: A temporary healing abutment will be placed on the implant. This healing abutment will protect the implant and promote gum tissue healing.
5. Placing the Final Abutment: Once your gums have healed and the implant has fused with the jawbone, we will replace the temporary abutment with the final abutment. This will become the permanent anchor for your dental restoration (whether it be a crown, bridge, or denture).
6. Connecting your Crown: We will take impressions of the abutment and adjacent teeth to create a custom dental restoration that will blend seamlessly with your smile. Once secured to the implant abutment, your smile will be complete again!

Depending on your case, we may be able to place the abutment and the implant simultaneously in a single procedure. In other cases, however, a two-stage approach is necessary. We’ll discuss the best option for you during your consultation. 

What Can I Expect After the Procedure? 

Alright, so you’ve got your abutment placed. Now comes the most important part – healing and care! 

Healing will typically take 4-6 weeks to fully recover. During this stage, it’s important to follow the instructions and recommendations provided by our dentists to a T. 

Here’s the rundown: 

• Diet: Since your gums will be tender after the procedure, it’s important to avoid spicy, crunchy, sticky and acidic foods. We recommend soft foods like shakes, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, juices and yoghurt to aid in healing. 
• Cleaning: Keeping the implant area clean is crucial for implant success. Every morning, rinse the area around the abutment very gently yet thoroughly with an antibacterial mouthwash prescribed by our dentist. While you can brush your teeth the day after implant placement, you must avoid brushing your abutment and surrounding gums. However, as the mouth heals, you can gently brush the abutment. 
• Rest and Recovery: Your mouth and body need time to heal after implant and abutment placement. So, avoid putting too much pressure on your mouth and body to give your body the rest it needs to recover and heal. 

And there you have it – a comprehensive guide about all things dental implant abutments. 

Want to learn more about dental implants? Contact Warrnambool Smile Dental today, and let’s take that first step toward a gap-free smile.